Pope Leo XIV Inauguration Ceremony in the Vatican

Today marked the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, a significant event attended by numerous guests. In line with tradition, attendees in front of the Pope typically wear black attire, except for a select few, such as the Queen of Spain, who is one of the few women permitted to wear white in the Pope’s presence.

This practice, known as Privilege Dubran or White’s Privilege, allows specific royal Catholic women to don white instead of the customary black. The choice of black clothing symbolizes humility and a wish to remain unassuming, according to Dr. Taylor Marshall.

Dr. Marshall further noted the apparent dissonance in public reactions, particularly regarding Queen Leticia’s choice of an all-white ensemble in a setting where other women adhered to the black dress code. Many outlets praised her “stunning” look without understanding the traditional context.

Typically, attendees are required to wear black, with women expected to dress modestly—long-sleeved outfits that cover the knees and shoulders, and ideally without visible cleavage.

Besides the Queen of Spain, the other women excused from this rule include Princess Shirley of Monaco, Queen Sofia of Spain, Queen Paola of Belgium, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, and Princess Maria of Naples.

According to reports, these women stand as the sole exceptions to the otherwise strict dress regulations imposed by the Catholic Church, which maintains high standards for royal attire and recognizes the significance of Catholic monarchs in Christianity.

“Le Privilege du Blanc goes beyond just a white dress. It embodies a rich history and serves as a vital reminder of the past and future of Christianity,” Dr. Marshall added.

In a previous private audience with Pope Francis back in June 2014, Queen Leticia was likewise seen in white, setting a precedent noted by many.

During today’s ceremony, she wore a striking long-sleeved, tea-length white dress, complemented by nude heels and pearl drop earrings, looking quite elegant. She shared the spotlight with Princess Shirley and Queen Mathilde.

The event attracted a massive crowd, including notable figures like Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and several members of Congress.