While no longer in use, the papacy does have a tiara.
The papal hardware originated in the 4th century, and the original version may have been inspired by the Phrygian cap, which was a tall headdress in the shape of a cone.
The tiara evolved as centuries went by, becoming more complex and was last worn in the 20th century by Pope Paul VI in 1963.
It was placed on the Pope’s head during his coronation. The Pope now has an inauguration with no crowning ceremony.
The Washington D.C. Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception explains the design and its evolution on their website: “Papal coin designs indicate that a single circlet, or crown, was likely added to the tiara in the early 900s, followed by a second crown later that century. Precious gems were also incorporated into the design during the 900s by Pope Boniface VII, and lappets were added sometime in the 13th century. It wasn’t until the 14th century that a third crown was added to the headdress, resulting in the traditional papal tiara that we recognise today.”
The papal tiara was last worn at the coronation ceremony of Pope Paul VI, and he later donated it to raise money for charity and used a cloth headdress called a mitre. It is now housed at the Washington D.C. basilica.
Not only did Pope Paul set a precedent with the tiara, but he was also the last pontiff to have a coronation. However, he and subsequent popes did include the image of a tiara on their coat of arms. It wasn’t until Pope Benedict XVI that the tiara was removed from the coat of arms.
Each pope has been given a papal tiara, but following Pope Paul VI’s example, they have only worn the mitre.
It is expected that Pope Leo XIV will follow in those footsteps.
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