(Nexstar) – During the last mass at the Vatican on Wednesday, before the secret conclave officially commenced, there was a notable display of red and purple robes at St. Peter’s Cathedral.
The choices in attire were far from arbitrary; each robe carries its own significance.
The red robe is donned by all 133 Cardinals who are involved in selecting a successor for Pope Francis. While the reasons behind this choice are debated, it’s commonly understood that the color symbolizes the blood of martyrs or reflects a readiness to sacrifice for their faith.
Bishops and archbishops, on the other hand, are seen in shades of purple. Although they hold a lower rank than Cardinals and do not participate in the conclave, the purple garments serve to honor the suffering of Jesus Christ, resembling the shade of his cape during his trial, according to Rev. Msgr. William J. King.
Archbishop Diego Giovani Ravelli was observed in purple clothing while closing the door to the Sistine Chapel.
Red and purple are colors frequently worn by Catholic clergy throughout the year. Red typically appears on Good Friday and is seen during the Feast Day for Martyrs, while purple signifies Lent and Advent.
The Pope, the highest authority within the Catholic Church, is usually attired in white and gold, symbolizing Christ’s birth and resurrection, reflecting his role as a representative of the divine.
This week, however, another color is also on spectators’ minds: the smoke emitted from the chimneys of the Sistine Chapel indicates whether a new Pope has been elected. Wednesday’s conclave concluded with black smoke, signaling that a new Pope was not yet chosen. In contrast, white smoke would indicate a successful election.
