When people think of the Vatican, the image that usually comes to mind is that of the Pope, the highest authority in the Catholic Church. Recently, the Vatican has drawn global attention following the announcement of Pope Francis' death. He was the first Latin American pope and was respected for his unorthodox views on faith, the Church, and tradition.
In the wake of his passing, there has been renewed interest in his life, his early years, and his everyday routines. Among the names that have emerged during this reflection is Filippo Sorcinelli—a creative force behind some of the Pope’s most iconic robes. Sorcinelli, a musician and designer, has collaborated on Vatican religious garments for over two decades.
What does the Pope's official attire look like?
Within the Catholic Church, various roles and responsibilities are discernible through their attire. Cardinals, for example, are known for their scarlet red robes and a distinctive biretta. Bishops stand out by wearing a mitre—a tall, pointed hat—and a pastoral ring.
Recognizing the traditional garments expected of the Pope is essential. He is dressed in white, symbolizing purity. His attire includes a tunic called an alb, a cassock with 33 buttons representing the age of Jesus at the time of his death, a pectoral cross, a staff known as the crosier, and the iconic Ring of the Fisherman.
Who is Filippo Sorcinelli, the designer for Pope Francis?
Italian artist Filippo Sorcinelli has always been deeply passionate about art, creativity, and religion. He started playing the organ at the Fano Cathedral when he was just 13 and later studied at the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music. Alongside his love for music, Filippo discovered a strong interest in religious clothing, which led him to found his studio dedicated to dressing church officials—Atelier LAVS (Laboratorio Atelier Vesti Sacre).
His first commission from a Pope came in 2008, when he was asked to create an outfit for Pope Benedict XVI. From that moment on, the Italian designer began crafting garments for the Vatican, including the mitre worn by Benedict XVI at his funeral. He later went on to design around 20 pieces for Pope Francis, including the vestments for his inaugural mass in 2013 and his final mitre.
Filippo's designs aren’t limited to Vatican commissions—he also creates garments for other church officials. Every piece made at his atelier is handcrafted to blend luxury, tradition, and art in one place. Some designs can take up to 1,000 hours to complete, as Filippo’s goal is to create a fully immersive, sensory experience. Each garment is also infused with a scent reminiscent of incense, adding a spiritual layer of meaning to the piece.