The Devil may wear Prada, but the Pope puts on Christ

Sandro Magister, "The Pope Does Not Put On Prada, But Christ" (www.chiesa, June 28, 2008):

ROMA, June 28, 2009 – "The pope does not put on Prada, but Christ": this is the abrupt conclusion of an article in "L'Osservatore Romano" two days ago, aimed at defending the decisions of Benedict XVI in his liturgical and other attire. Curiously, the article was written by a man with almost the very same name as the famous fashion house, Juan Manuel de Prada.

But there is more in the same edition of "L'Osservatore Romano." There is an interview with the master of pontifical liturgical celebrations, Monsignor Guido Marini, who – taking his cue from a new configuration of the pallium worn by the pope – response to the recurring objections against some of Benedict XVI's recent decisions in liturgical matters:

– the motu proprio "Summorum Pontificum," which liberalized the ancient rite of the Mass;

– the placement of the cross at the center of the altar, in papal celebrations;

– the Mass celebrated in the Sistine Chapel, on the ancient altar facing the fresco of the Last Judgment (see photo);

– the return to the use of the crosier in the form of a cross;

– the placement of communion on the tongues of the faithful, kneeling.