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3mo ago

Vatican Breaks Tradition by Reusing Papal Robes as Tailor Offers Gifted Alternatives

For the first time in nearly 50 years, the Vatican has opted not to commission new papal cassocks, while rival tailor Raniero Mancinelli delivers handcrafted garments ahead of the conclave.

Mancinelli hand-makes lightweight wool cassocks, sashes and zucchettos
The Gammarellis have been papal tailors since the 1700s, when popes ruled a larger country than today, the Papal States, and Italy was not yet unified.
Gammarelli tailors have for generations made the white cassock new popes don immediately after their election
Mancinelli has worked as a tailor for 70 years

Overview

  • The Vatican informed Gammarelli, the traditional papal tailor since 1798, that no new cassocks were needed for the May 7 conclave, signaling a reliance on existing garments.
  • Raniero Mancinelli, an 86-year-old tailor, has independently crafted and delivered three sizes of cassocks, sashes, and zucchettos as a gift for potential use by the new pope.
  • This marks a significant departure from the centuries-old ritual of preparing 'virgin' cassocks for a newly elected pope, a tradition upheld by Gammarelli for nearly two centuries.
  • Speculation suggests the decision reflects Pope Francis's legacy of simplicity and sustainability, as he often eschewed traditional trappings of papal luxury during his tenure.
  • The conclave, set to begin on May 7 in the Sistine Chapel, will see 133 cardinals elect Francis's successor, with Mancinelli's garments available as an alternative option.