The Vatican is tightening its purse strings, resulting in the famed papal tailor Gammarelli shoulders the financial burden.
Fashioning a Fresh Pope: Lorenzo Gammarelli's Unforeseen Snub
∗© GETTY IMAGES* By Alexis Fargeaudoux Published on
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Historically unprecedented! Since at least the beginning of the 20th century, Lorenzo Gammarelli's venerable workshop has adorned the pontiffs with their cassocks. Yet, this time, the Vatican decided against asking for the traditional white garb, tailored to suit any potential candidate's physique.
In this morose moment, following Pope Francis' demise, one would think that the silver lining would be the opportunity to kitting out the new pope. Alas, Lorenzo Gammarelli expresses a lingering sense of disappointment, "In the heartbreak of Pope Francis' passing, the solace was the thought we would clothe the new pope," he muses.
With a shrug, the 52-year-old workman discloses that the Vatican broke the tradition and took matters into their own hands. "The small State likely intends to use the clothing from past conclaves, as each time only one was used," he conjectures.
When will the conclave unfold?
In instances prior, the Vatican could have requested fewer than three garments, given they had some on hand. However, this is the first time they've neglected to make any requests at all. Lorenzo suggests this decision might perhaps stem from Pope Francis' suggested ideals of frugality and waste reduction. A suggestion he himself admits to pining for, as papal portraits adorn the walls of his atelier, nestled near the Pantheon, and his window displays an array of signature Roman Catholic socks.
In the realm of papal attire:
Enrichment Data:
Pope's Simplistic and Sustainable Legacy
The Vatican's decision to forgo fresh pope clothing from Lorenzo Gammarelli's esteemed atelier is believed to be a tribute to Pope Francis' emphasis on minimizing excess and waste. In the past, Gammarelli's tailors would meticulously craft new cassocks for the chosen pontiff. However, this time, tradition takes a backseat, as the atelier's window remains bare save for a handcrafted white zucchetto fashioned for Pope Francis[1].
Pope Francis has championed the cause of simplicity and sustainability. His dedication to these values is evident in his endeavors such as prohibiting plastic in Vatican City and promoting the use of electric vehicles[5]. Furthermore, the Vatican's efforts to increase recycling rates and reduce carbon impact echo his commitment to environmentalism[3].
While the Vatican has stayed mum on the reason for skipping new cassocks, the timing and the larger context of Pope Francis' crusade for simplicity and sustainability raise intriguing questions about the motive behind this decision[1][2][3].
In light of Pope Francis' advocacy for frugality and waste reduction, the Vatican's decision to reuse clothing from past conclaves instead of ordering new attire from Lorenzo Gammarelli's atelier aligns with the pope's sustainable lifestyle. The papal emphasis on simplicity and sustainability, as demonstrated by measures like prohibiting plastic in Vatican City and promoting the use of electric vehicles, may have influenced this financial decision, symbolizing a shift in the traditional business practices of the Vatican.
