The Pallium

Photo: © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk

Our Superior General, Archbishop Richard Moth received the Pallium today in Rome from Pope Leo along with 34 other new Metropolitan Archbishops. In recent years its presentation had been delegated by the Pope to others, however Pope Leo has restored the practice of the Pope conferring the Pallium personally.

The Pallium is a Y shaped; three aspect adornment made of pure lamb’s wool from lambs raised by the monks of the Cistercians (Trappists). It is worn over the top of the chasuble around the shoulders and features six black crosses. It is a reminder of the metropolitan archbishop’s role as shepherd, and his unity with the Holy See.