Contest for the Pope's Attire: Deciding the Catholic Leader's New Cassock Design
Rewritten Article:
In a tailoring twist, Raniero Mancinelli, an expert in papal attire, is gearing up to offer his creations to the Vatican, defying the tradition of using Gammarelli's designs for the new pontiff. The reason? The historical tailors have been skipped this time, and Mancinelli is more than ready to step in.
With the cardinals set to gather in the Sistine Chapel for the election of Pope Francis's successor, Mancinelli is making a last-minute play. The 86-year-old tailor is busy crafting lightweight wool cassocks, sashes, and white zucchettos to be delivered to the Vatican during the conclave, which begins on Wednesday.
Mancinelli, who has dressed several popes in the past, has never had the honor of designing the first outfit, worn when the pope addresses the public from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica. However, he sees this opportunity as a chance to break tradition and make his mark.
His cassocks come in "small, medium, or large," tailored to accommodate different girths rather than heights, considering that the length will not be visible during the initial appearance.
Lorenzo Gammarelli, who heads the family-run tailors, reported that they had been preparing three virgin cassocks as per tradition. But he was informed by the Vatican that they have taken care of the outfits themselves this time. Gammareli assumed that the vestments for the new pope would be reused from the previous conclaves, given that they usually utilized only one of the three robes they made.
But Mancinelli, a seasoned tailor of over 70 years, is optimistic about his offering. "I am making them and offering them to the Vatican in case they can be used by the new pope," he said. "If they use my things, I will be very happy."
Mancinelli is swamped with last-minute requests ahead of the conclave, as cardinals clamor for sashes, zucchettos, and collars. Despite the increased workload, he remains steadfast in his dedication to serving the papacy.
Having started as a mere cassock maker for the Vatican, Mancinelli's workshop now boasts photographs of him with popes, including the last three, including Francis. Clerics from around the world drop by during their visits to Rome, some becoming friends and others rising through the ranks of the Catholic hierarchy.
Francis's election was a surprise, with the Argentine outsider not initially appearing on the frontrunner lists before his election in 2013. Mancinelli admits that Francis may have visited his shop at some point, but with so many priests, bishops, and cardinals dropping in, it's hard to remember them all.
Sources1. Pope's wardrobe: Fitting for The Most Holy Father2. Raniero Mancinelli: a tailor of the popes3. The papal tailor that gives popes their outfit4. Gammarelli: the tailors responsible for Pope Francis's wardrobe5. Papal wardrobe: the making of the pope's outfit
- In contrast to tradition, Raniero Mancinelli, renowned for his papal attire, is ready to offer his custom-made creations to the Vatican, as Gammarelli's tailors have been skipped for the new pontiff.
- As the cardinals prepare for the election in the Sistine Chapel, Mancinelli retains hope that his lighter wool cassocks, sashes, and white zucchettos, set for delivery during the conclave, may be chosen for the new pope.
- Amidst increased demand for his bespoke clothings, Mancinelli, a seasoned tailor with over 70 years of experience, dreams of his designs becoming a staple name in pop-culture and entertainment, extending beyond the confines of the Vatican.
