The Hidden Meaning Behind The Pope's Clothes

The chasuble is a common vestment worn by Catholic clergy. According to Britannica, it's the outermost garment worn by priests at mass. It was once worn by both laypeople and the clergy, but by the 6th century, it had evolved into something worn only as an ecclesiastical vestment.

The pope wears a chasuble when saying mass as well, though there's nothing special about them. But all chasuble are color-coded to abide by the church's liturgical colors. As noted by CNN, the pope will wear a green chasuble at most masses during what's known as "ordinary time." During the seasons of Advent and Lent, the pope will wear a purple chasuble. Twice a year, on Gaudete Sunday (the third Sunday of Advent) and Laetare Sunday (the fourth Sunday of Lent), the pope will wear a rose-colored chasuble. This symbolizes that these seasons are almost ended, and celebration is coming soon. White chasubles are worn during Christmas and other solemnities and feasts, and red are worn on Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Pentecost Sunday. There are also black and gold chasubles for certain occasions, but they're not as common.

According to author James Monti in his book "A Sense of the Sacred," the chasuble is considered to be symbolic of charity. The idea is that since charity is the greatest of all virtues, the outermost vestment worn by the priest should be representative of that.