As mourners gather at St Peter’s Basilica, the late Pope Francis lies in an open coffin, clothed in the sacred vestments that symbolise centuries of Catholic tradition and papal authority.
On his head rests a white mitre, the iconic ceremonial crown of the Catholic Church. Shaped like an elongated bulb meeting at two edges, the mitre represents the Old and New Testaments.
Traditionally crafted from white silk, and often decorated with silver, gold and precious stones, it is a powerful symbol of holiness, dignity and spiritual splendour.
Although popes historically wore a papal tiara, a three-tiered crown representing their authority as Father of Kings, Governor of the World, and Vicar of Christ, Pope Francis chose not to revive the tradition. The last pontiff to wear the tiara was Pope Paul VI, who later auctioned it for charity.
The ornate headpiece, adorned with jewels and a golden cross atop a globe, remains a symbol of papal history.
Beneath the mitre, the Pope also wears a zucchetto, the simple white skullcap made from eight panels of silk stitched together at the top. Originally intended to keep the clergy warm, the zucchetto has since evolved into an essential part of papal vestments.
On his finger is the Ring of the Fisherman, a gold ring depicting Saint Peter casting a net, with Pope Francis’ name inscribed above.
The ring is a traditional emblem of the papacy and will be ceremonially destroyed by Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell following papal tradition.
Next to him lies the papal ferula, the metal staff topped with a crucifix that symbolises the Pope’s power and governance over the Church. The current design was introduced by Italian artist Lello Scorzelli in 1963.
Pope Francis is dressed in a red chasuble, the same one he wore during Good Friday services last year. The red garment, flowing and elegant, signifies love, sacrifice, and the blood of Christ.
Over the chasuble, he wears a pallium, a narrow white woollen band adorned with six black crosses. Worn around the neck and shoulders, the pallium symbolises the Pope’s pastoral authority and his unity with the Church.
Beneath the outer garments, the Pope is clothed in a cassock, a traditional white, full-length vestment worn daily by pontiffs, accompanied by the zucchetto when not officiating religious ceremonies.
He also wears an alb, a simple, long white robe that stands for purity and innocence, layered under the cassock.
Around his waist is a fascia, a decorative sash symbolising chastity and commitment to Christ.
Completing the papal attire is the cope, a rich, flowing outer vestment open at the front, made of silk and representing authority, heritage and centuries of Catholic tradition.