I agree - "closer to a liturgically equipped bishop." Cardinal Sean O'Malley (OFM) of Boston comes to mind. I think he often wears sandals.

http://www.cardinalseansblog.org/

We are missionaries in what we say and do. I recall Jesus told his disciples to 'travel light' when sending them out in pairs. The Roman church decided to do away with the papal tiara in the 1960s, I believe. One tiara is now on display in DC. The papal throne borne by 4-6 men is also gone (we did add the 'popemobile' which seems a good move in light of security). Accretions in clothing and posture which accompany being a head of state (Vatican City State) often tend to a triumphalistic image which augurs against the simplicity of the Lord and our message. Jesus did contrast his Way with that of the Pharisees. I'm sure the Jewish High Priests and the priests at the Greek and Roman temples looked magnificent. I'm not sure we want our Patriarchs, in this case the Roman Patriarch, to emulate that to any great degree. Better sandals occasionally rather than Prada or Gucci....

-Pustinik

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"Acquire a peaceful spirit, and thousands around you will be saved." –St. Serafim of Sarov

My shoes come from Target. (That's "tar-zshay"!)

My guess is that Prada is getting a big bump in their stock price out of this free "Tt's NOT Prada!" advertising.

FDD

I thought everybody knows that it's the Devil who wears Prada, not the Pope.

Had your morning nibble of Choccie have you Charles ?

Hehehe!

There is some reason to think that the early Roman Emperors also wore sandals.

Fr. Serge

Well, Father, you'd care if you were to walk a mile in his shoes . . .



hawk,reminding people that walking a mile in someone's shoes before criticizing not only gives you a nearly insurmountable head start, but also a seriously slowed pursuer . . .

I don't doubt that Pope Benedict has a cornucopia of trouble - but I'd say the pontifical footwear is low on the list!

Fr. Serge

I am therefore a false devil...

*tries to hide his stash of Chinese-made designer fakes*

hehehehe

So what's wrong with Chinese-made designer fakes? Must investigate and see if they can duplicate vestment brocades.

Fr. Serge

LOL

The Pope may not wear Prada, but who's to say that he doesn't wear Gucci!

(...and since he doesn't pay for any of this in his host country, why shouldn't he get to enjoy the superb renowned expert leather craftsmanship of Italy?!?)

Alice

Cardinal O'Malley wears sandals because he's a Capuchin. The Capuchins (OFM Cap), the Franciscans "of the Leonine Union" (OFM), the Discalced Carmelites and some other mendicant or friar orders wore sandals at all times, even when celebrating Mass.