Campagi - The footwear of the Pope and the Clergy |
Why Does the Pope Wear Red Shoes?
In the book "Warum trägt der Papst rote Schuhe? Kinderfragen an Benedikt XVI." (St. Benno Verlag Leipzig, March 2007, ISBN 3-7462-2176-5), Dr. Georg Gänswein, private secretary of the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI., gave the following answer on the question "Why does the Pope wear red shoes?" of 6-years-old Andreas Schönberger from Kleinwinklarn (District of Schwandorf):
However, I personally consider the following aspects crucial:
4. The colour of the shoes
As far as the shade of red is concerned, I observed that its perception depends on Material The shoes are made from shell cordovan, calfskin, goatskin or cangarooskin. Shapes and models As far as the shape is concerned, the Pope wears loafers without exception, i.e. shoes without laces, straps or buckles (except for his hiking boots during holidays). Furthermore, he renounces on ornamental stitching. His shoes are never made from glossy patent leather. The shoes of the cardinals Passages nr. 5 and 31 of the Ceremonial Norms of the Cardinals (Ceremoniali per gli Eminentissimmi Cardinali - Download (143 KB)) mention three types of shoes: a) Red shoes with golden buckles, e.g. worn by Clemens August Cardinal Graf von Galen; displayed at the museum Heimathaus Münsterland GmbH, Telgte. Images nr. 7, 9, 10, 59 and 60 [Image nr. 11 depicts red cardinals' shoes without buckles] b) Black shoes with golden buckles and red appliqués: The edges are braided red, the inner lining is red, the sides of the soles and heels are red. This type also came to be known as "model Cardinal Siri". Image nr. 5. [This type also exists in the shape of loafers, without buckles Image nr. 4] c) Black shoes with silver buckles. Images nr. 2, 3, 8 and 23. Nowadays, the cardinals wear black men's shoes just like any other man, either loafers or lace-up shoes. Pontificial shoes (images nr. 68 - 72 and 80) Occassionally bishops wear pontificial shoes. These are precious shoes with an upper stringed with silk or brocade fabrics. Their colours adhere to the liturgical canon: red, green, white and violet. They are embroidered in a more or less elaborate fashion. There are no black shoes.
Literature
Please consider Joseph Braun's extensive study of pontificial footwear (mainly pontificial shoes and stockings): "Die liturgische Gewandung im Occident und Orient", Wissenschaftliche Buchgesellschaft Darmstadt, 1964, pp. 384 - 421.
My research produced the follwing results:
The red papal shoes of Benedict XVI are manufactured by master shoemaker Adriano Stefanelli aus I-28100 Novara (NO), Corso Cavour Camillo Benso, 14, phone 0039-0321-36344. He is the "Calzolaio Ufficiale del Papa", i.e. the Pope's official shoemaker. Mr Stefanelli used to produce shoes on behalf of John Paul II as well. When Joseph Ratzinger was elected pope his private secretary, Prelate Dr Georg Gänswein, asked him to maintain the production of shoes on behalf of the newly elected pope. Pope Benedict XVI is size 42, without any orthopaedical irregularities. The Pope has got very "balanced" feet. He also produces the special slippers which the Pope wears around his apartment, as well as the hiking boots he puts on for his walks during the holidays. Their inside bears a label with the name of his father, Antonio Stefanelli, on it. Mr Stefanelli considers this a homage to his father whom he respects very much for teaching him the craft. He is very much obliged to his father. Due to the red loafers made by Mr Stefanelli, Benedict XVI was elected "Accesorizer of the Year 2007" by Esquire magazine in September 2007(Esquire Magazin - Benedict Accessorizer of the Year 2007 (273 KB)). Mr Stefanelli considers the shoes made on behalf of the Pope a gift ("donazione"). Thus, he is not paid for his efforts. Instead, he considers the letters of thanks from the Vatican a sufficient reward for his work.
Newspaper article cited from "Il Giornale" from 29 May 2007 [Italian only]:
Stefanelli fa le scarpe al Vaticano (4499 KB) ; Newspaper article cited from Le Matin Dimanche" from 16 Dec 2007 [French only]: Adriano Stefanelli cordonnier du Pape (498 KB) Interview and video clip; made on the occasion of the handing over of the shoes on 20 Feb 2008: How much do papal shoes cost (12 KB) Interview on the occasion of Pope Benedecit XVI's visit to the US (16-20 April 2008), published by the news agency Adnkronos: Papa in Usa con mie scarpe made in Novara (38 KB) On 26 June 2008, Paul Kreiner's article appeared in Kölner Stadtanzeiger: Der Papst trägt keineswegs Prada (25 KB) On the very same day, Richard Owen's report was published in the Times: The Pope wears Prada? (34 KB) On 26 June 2008, L'Osservatore Romano published an article by Juan Manuel de Prada: Le vesti liturgiche secondo Ratzinger (25 KB), German translation: Christus als Gewand anlegen (840 KB) Mr Stefanelli emphasizes the fact that the Vatican has repeatedly declared speculations on the Pope wearing Prada shoes a fallacy. Several newspaper articles claim that Benedict XVI wear red slippers made by Prada. With regard to this matter, you might also find the following articles of interest: An article from STERN magazine (229 KB) (see the last four sentences), as well as an interview with Adriano Stefanelli published in Süddeutsche Zeitung on 27 June 2008: Des Papstes Schuster (38 KB).
Annibale Gammarelli (Images nr. 1, 2, 10, 11, 12 and 78)
Gammarelli(Rome) has shoes produced for the Pope, the prelates and priests as well. They give exclusive orders to their own shoemaker. The shoes' inner sole is labeled "made in Italy". Gammerelli also delivers shoes in the event of papal elections. The first pair of shoes worn by a new Pope is made by Gammarelli (Image nr. 12) Antonio Arellano (Images nr. 36, 55) Shoemaker Antonio Arellano, a Peruvian (via del Falco 3, 00193 Roma), is responsible for the maintenance and repairing of the Pope's shoes - just as he used to be for those of John Paul II. According to several press reports (225 KB), he has been in charge of the his shoes for 18 years now. When he was a Cardinal, Joseph Ratzinger used to come around himself if his shoes needed polishing, a new sole, or to have scratches removed. Mr Arellano said that he treated the Pope just like any other customer. In return for his efforts, he received a letter of thanks and a rosary from the Pope. His brother, Daniel Arellano, runs a shop in Via Alcide De Gasperi 25/27, 00165 Rom. As far as I know, he does not produce shoes on behalf of the Pope. Associazione Italo-Peruviana, Milan, published an article about Mr Antonio Arellano: "Il calzolaio del Papa es peruano (52 KB)". In the meantime, after the article "Antonio Arellano - der Schuhmacher des Papstes (2.680 KB)", published in the German newspaper "Die Welt" on April 1, 2011 Mr Arellano now is making the red loafers of the pope, too. Danilo Mancini (Image nr. 37) Danilo Mancini's shop ("IL CALZOLAIO" - Danilo Mancini im Vicolo della Volpe 14, 00186 Roma, Tel. 0039-06-6875962) is located in small lane of craftsmen just off Piazza Navona. The tiny shop is not highlighted by any advertisement from the outside. One single room serves as workshop and sales area at once. The walls accomodate the wooden models of several customers. By his own account, Mr Mancini produced the papal shoes which were on display in Gammarelli's shop window just before the conclave in April 2005. Yet from then on, he focused on the production of clerical footwear made from fabrics and silk exclusively (see pontificial shoes). Blog on Danilo Mancini (93 KB) Pittarel - Castellani (Images nr. 13 - 17) In her book "Die Papstmacher" (Pattloch Verlag, München 2001, ISBN 3-629-01626-X, Seite 260 ff.), Christina Kramer von Reisswitz names Gianfranco Pittarel & C. sns, 2, via Masserano, I-10152 Torino (TO) as shoemakers of John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II. Gianfranco Pittarel was taught his craft by master shoemaker Virginio Cappa who delivered shoes on behalf of their royal highnesses of Savoyen. However, in spite of some accounts claiming so, Virginio Cappa has never produced shoes for the Pope. I equally came across reports on a certain Virgilio Cappa who is said to produce the foortwear of "high officials of the clergy". The name "Virgilio" is, most obviously, a typo. Card of the Business Man. Slivano Lattanzi (Image nr. 39) Silvano Lattanzi, Via Mostrapiedi 167, 63011 Casette d'Ete (AP), Tel. 0039-0734-810213, Fax 0039-0734-810359 On 25 May 2008, the article The velvet slippers he made for Pope Benedict (131 KB) was published in the New York Post. Mr Lattanzani is reported to have exhibited shoes in his New York shop which he had allegedly made for the Pope. Even though I was not able to double-check, I am quite certain it is a false assertion. Moreschi S.p.A. (Images nr. 22 und 23) On the occasion of the Pope's short visit to the "city of shoes" Vigevano in Northern Italy on 21 April 2007, the company Moreschi S.p.A. (Via Cararola, 69, 27029 Vigevano (PV), phone 0039-0381-69881, Fax 0039-0381-691616) gave the Pope "red slippers made from cangaroo skin". Moreover, the company also produces black loafers with silver buckles for the prelates. The event is covered in the press as well: Moreschi schenkt Papst Schuhe (164 KB)
Calzaturificio Gianfort (Image nr. 18)
The company Calzaturificio Gianfort s.n.c, Via Pavane 11, I-36065 Mussolente (Vi), Italy, Phone 0039-0424-577043, Fax 0039-0424-87746, produced red loafers on behalf of Pope John Paul II. One pair of these shoes is now on display in the "Sala Pamieci"of "Diecezjalne Centrum Pielgrzymowania im. Jana Pawla II" in PL-33-340 Stary Sacz, Polen. John Paul II is said to have worn these shoes prior to 1999.
Segalin (Images nr. 45 bis 47)
On 20 June 2006, Mr Sergio Segalin, son of the company's founder, Antonio Sagalin, handed over one pair of black and one pair of white shoes to Pope John Paul 2006. The white shoes have got laborious laces made of needle lace from Burano. Referred to as "M012" (product name), the comapany also has the widely known wine red papal loafers in stock. Address: SEGALIN Calzature, Via S. Pio X, 30, I-30175 Mestre (VE), Phone. 0039-041-984401
Raymond Massaro (Image nr. 73)
From the press reports (33 KB) on Raymond Massaro, 2, rue de la Paix, F-75002 Paris, Tel. 0033-1-42610029, one might conclude that he, too, was involved in the production of papal shoes. Cf. picture nr. 38.: I do not think the Pope has ever worn this kind of shoes (mules). The lasts of the shoes for John Paul II are depicted in picture nr. 0000313209-021 at Corbis. The article Im Reich der Zauberer (40 KB), published in the newspaper Berliner Zeitung, states that "delighting Raymond Massaro secured his access to paradise by means of red leather slippers for John Paul II in 1980." Stanisław Żmija (Bilder Nr. 19 bis 21) Pope John Paul II (size 44, very extended feet) also used to wear shoes made by a compatriot, master shoemaker Stanisław Żmija from Stanislaw Dolny, a small town close to Wadowice, his place of birth. Mr Żmija handed over the first pair of shoes on 10 Oct 1982, the day of Peter Maximilian Kolbe's canonization. Pictures of the shoes and press reports on Stanislaw Zmija (360 KB) Szewstwo-Cholewkarstwo Stanisław Żmija, Stanisław Dolny 322 , PL-34-130 Kalwaria-Zebrzydowsaka, Phone 0048-33-8767384.
GEOX S.p.A. (Image nr. 50)
Moreover, press reports mention the company GEOX S.p.A., Via Feltrina Centro 16, I-31010 Biadene di Montebelluna, which is said to have given some loafers to Pope Benedict XVI. They also refer to the brown hiking boots he ears during his summer holidays in the mountains. Those boots are also said to be made by GEOX. At the company's central office, a pair of GEOX shoes are exhibited which the Holy Father allegedly wore for a hike during his summer vacations. According to my research, the Holy Father does not wear GEOX shoes in his everyday life. Pess reports: GEOX Dieser Schuh macht der Konkurrenz Dampf - 1st question (27 KB) Wall Street Journal 25 April 2006: Pope draws new flock marketers (319 KB)
Ferragamo (Images nr. 76 and 77)
The Ferragamo company produced red and wine-red loafers in "papal style". However, the Pope has never worn these shoes. Prada (Image nr. 75) Prada produce red loafers as well. However, their models are decorated with striking ornamental seams - which is a kind the Pope has never worn. See the last 4 sentences of the article published in STERN magazine (229 KB), as well as the interview with Adriano Stefanelli from the newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung, published 27 June 2008: Der Papstes Schuster (38 KB). Domenico Canguillo und Giuseppi Cattefoglia During the 1950s, that is prior to the Second Vatican Council (1962), shoemaker Domenico Canguillo used to run his workshop in Rome, close to the Vaican. He had taken over the shop from Giuseppe Cattefoglia. Both shoemakers worked a lot on behalf of the Pope, especially during the period where the Pope used to wear "sandali pontificali" made from pure ornamented silk. For a picture, visit Corbis.com, picture nr. U1090449 (RM). As far as I know, this shop does not exist anymore. Tridentinum di Pietro Siffi (Images nr. 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9) This company based at Ferrara produces some shoes of a type which was popular among senior prelates prior to the Second Vatican Council. The Pope, however, does not wear these shoes. Mario Bertulli (Image nr. 79) In several interviews and reports, Master shoemaker Mario Bertulli (Via S. Orsola, 292, I-25135 Brescia) claims that he manufactured shoes on behalf of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. The shoes are said to be imprinted with the coat of arms of the Pope and the Vatican. These shoes might exist; the Pope, however, would certainly never wear a design of this kind. Reports on the matter: Economia Veronese, Issue 07/2006 : Mario Bertuelli - Le Scarpe per il Papa (223 KB) Bertulli: “l’aiutino” viene dalle scarpe! (156 KB) Le scrape del Papa anscono a Verona (325 KB) Stefano Lorenzetto "Mio padre fece le scarpe al Duce, Io le faccio a Sarkozy e pure a Bossi" (102 KB)
Camper (image nr. 49)
The hiking shoes (Camper "Pelotas Mistol Model 17313") which Poope Benedict XVI used to wear on his walks during his summer holidays 2009 were made by the company Camper (COFLUSA, S.A.U. Polígono Industrial, s/n E-07300 Inca, Mallorca, Spain). Images
Image 1:
Red slippers of the kind the newly elected Pope will put on. Thus, this is the first pair of red shoes the Cardinal wears after the conclave have agreed upon him as new Pope. He slips them on in the "Chamber of Tears" in the Sixtine Chapel before stepping out on the balcony overlooking St Peter's Place, in order to bless the assembled masses for the first time.
Image 2:
Black shoes with silver buckles. The Cardinals used to wear such shoes prior to the Second Vatican Council (1962).
Black shoes with ornamented silver buckles. Again, this is the type of shoes the Cardinals used to wear prior to the Second Vatican Council (1962).
Cardinals' shoes with red appliqués
Made by Tridentinum, Ferrara, Italy Image 5: Cardinals' shoes with red appliqués and gold-plated buckles Made by Tridentinum, Ferrara, Italy Image 6: Red papal loafers with red soles Image 7: Red and black shoes, similar to those worn by Clemens August Cardinal Graf von Galen, on display at Museum Heimathaus Münsterland GmbH, Telgte Image 8: Black shoes with silver buckles, intended for a cardinal Made by Tridentinum, Ferrara, Italy Image 9: red shoes with golden buckles, intended for a cardinal made by Tridentinum, Ferrara, Italy Image 10: Cardinals' shoes with gold-plated buckles the first two pictures were taken with the flashlight on, as was the last one; the third picture was taken without the flashlight Image11: Red cardinal's shoes wihtout buckles The first two pictures were taken with the flashlight on, as well as the last picture; the one in between wa taken without the flashlight Image 12: Part of the shop windows of tailors Annibale Gammerelli, before the election of the Pope in April 2005 In the early phase of the papal elections, Gammarelli has three papal garments (Small, Medium and Extra Large) made from the most exclusive Italian wool fabrics on display for one day. Their dazzling whiteness is striking. Those three garments are necessary, since nobody can predict at this stage whether the next vicar of Jesus Christ will be small and stout, tall and thin, or of medium height. This is why for the last 200 years the Gammarelli family has received instructions to make three versions of the garment. Afterwards, they will be directly transferred to the Vatican and will be locked up in the so-called Chamber of Tears (it.: stanza della lacrime). As soon as the newly elected Pope has accepted his office, he retires to this chambers to put on his papal garment for the first time. The chamber got this name based on the assumption that the newly elected Pope will shed "bitter tears" when faced with the burden of his new office. It is only after the protodeacon (the most senior cardinal deacon) proclaimed: "Habemus Papam! - We have a Pope!", that the latter will step out on to the balcony of St Peter's Basilica, so that the assembled masses of believers can set eyes on him.
Image13: Shoes intended for the pope, made by the company Gianfranco Pittarel & C. sns, 2, via Masserano, I-10152 Torino (TO) Image14: Shoes made on behalf of Pope John Paul II by the company Gianfranco Pittarel & C. sns, 2, via Masserano, I-10152 Torino (TO) Image 15: Brown shoes belonging to Pope John Paul II, made by the company Gianfranco Pittarel & C. sns, 2, via Masserano, I-10152Torino (TO) Image 16: Samples of leather used by the company Gianfranco Pittarel & C. sns.: Cangaroo skin, the upper one a dark wine red, the lower one of a lighter shade. Image 17: Shoes made for the Pope by the company Gianfranco Pittarel & C. sns, 2, via Masserano, I-10152 Torino (TO) Image 18: Red loafers, manufactured on behalf of Pope John Paul II by the company Calzaturificio Gianfort s.n.c, Via Pavane 11, I-36065 Mussolente (Vi), Italien, Phone 0039-0424-577043, Fax 0039-0424-87746
Image 19:
Red shoes for John Paul II, made bei master shoemaker Stanisław Żmija. He lives and works at a small place near Wadowice which is the place of birth of the former Pope. Image 20: Brown shoes, produced on behalf of John Paul II by master shoemaker Żmija. He lives and works at a small place near Wadowice which is the place of birth of the former Pope. Image 21: Dark brown shoes, made for John Paul II by master shoemaker Stanisław Żmija. He lives and works at a small place near Wadowice which is the place of birth of the former Pope. Image 22: Red slippers made from cangaroo skin. According to the press, they were handed over to Benedict XVI as a present by the company Moreschi S.p.A at his short visit to Vigevano on 21 April 2007. The place is known as the Northern Italian "town of shoes". (c) Image source
Image 23: Moreschi shoes, made of black leather with silver buckles, intended for cardinals and prelates Image 24: Master shoemaker Adriano Stefanelli from Novara presents Pope Benedict XVI with a pair of red loafers (type A). The picture was taken at the General Audience on 21 April 2006. Short flap, no stichting at the sides, rubber sole
Image 25: Black men's loafers, type A, intended for a prelate short flap, no stitching at the sides, rubber sole
Image 26:
Shoes made by master shoemaker Adriano Stefanelli from Novara, type B Long flap, stitching at the sides, leather sole partially covered in rubber Image 27: Adriano Stefanelli's 2010 creation with a sole partly covered in rubber (small black rubber dots) Image 28: Master shoemaker Adriano Stefanelli from Novara presents Benedict XVI with a pair of new shoes. The picture was taken at the General Audience on 20 Feb 2008 Image 29: At the General Audience on 20 Feb 2008, master shoemaker Adriano Stefanelli from Novara hands over another pair of shoes to Benedict XVI. These shoes bear marked the Pope's initials, "B. XVI", at the heels .
Image 30: Image 31: Slippers made by master shoemaker Adriano Stefanelli from Novara. Pope Benedict XVI habitually these soft, comfortable shoes around his apartment. Image 32: Shoes made by master shoemaker Adriano Stefanelli from Novara on behalf of Pope John Paul II. They were handed over on 14 Jan 2004.
Image 33a: Shoes made by master shoemaker Adriano Stefanelli fromNovara on behalf of Pope John Paul II.
Image 33b:
Shoes made by master shoemaker Adriano Stefanelli from Novara on behalf of Pope John Paul II. Image34: Shoes made by master shoemkaer Adriano Stefanelli from Novara on behalf of Pope John Paul II. Image 35: Slippers made from white silk. Manufactured by master shoemaker Adriano Stefanelli from Novara on behalf of Pope John Paul II.
These shoes handed over to Pope John Paul II by Mr Stefanelli on 29 Sept 2004.
Early in 2007, Benedict XVI could be spotted wearing these wine-red loafers for a few times.
Up to this point, I have not been able to identify the manufacturer with certainty - might be Antonio Arrelano
Hand-made red papal loafers, made by master shoemaker Danilo Mancini, Rome
Image 38:
Shoes handed over to Pope John Paul II in May 2007 by the members of Contrada Santi Crispino e Crispiniano and Corporazione dei ciabattini, calzolai, lavoratori del cuio e sellai, based at Parrocchia di Gesù Divin Lavoratore, Vigevano, Italy.
Images 39 a - d: The company Lattnazi claims to have created red versions of these shoes on behalf of the Pope. I was not able to verify this statement.
Image 39b:
Image 40:
Image 41:
Image 42:
Summer 1993: Pope John Paul II on the patio of his summer residence in Castell Gandolfo, wearing black loafers. Image 43: January 1990: Pope John Paul II at the airfield of Cap Verde, wearing wine-red loafers.
Image 44:
Shoes of Pope John Paul II Image 45a:
On 20 June 2001, Mr Sergio Segalin presented Pope John Paul II with a pair of shoes. In the picture: type S0007, white, decorated with needle lace (lavorazione dei merletti) from the island of Burano. Below: type M012, the classic shape of a papal loafer. Moreover, Pope John Paul also received a black version of type S007.
Image 45b:
Segalin, Model M012 in white Image 46:
On 20 June 2001, Mr Sergio Segalin equally handed a pair of black loafers over to Pope John Paul II.
Type S007, black suede Image 47:
Papal slippers made on behalf of Pope John Paul II by the company Sergio Segalin
Type M012, red suede Image 48: Wine-red loafers belonging to Pope Paul VI
Image 49:
During his summer holidays (24/25/27 July 2007), Pope Benedict XVI was seen wearing CAMPER hiking boots (Model No. 17313 - "Pelotas Mistol") : Visit to the church Santa Orsola in Vigo di Cadore, "Santa Giustina Martire" in Auronzo, and on a walk in the Dolomites
Image 50:
Hiking boots, on display in a showcase at the headquarters of the company GEOX S.p.A. The company claims that Pope Benedict XVI wore these shoes during his hikes in the mountains. A Image 51:
Hiking boots, made on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI by Mr Adriano Stefanelli
Image 52: Papal hiking boots, white, made by Adriano Stefanelli Image 53: Red hiking boots of the Pope, made by Mr Adriano Stefanelli Image 54: Master shoemaker Adriano Stefanelli from Novara manufactures football shoes on behalf of Cardinal State Secretary Tarcisio Bertone. The shoes are decorated with his coat of arms. The reason for this is that Cardinal Bertone is a huge footbal fan, especially of the club Juventus Turin. Rumour has it that he intended to found the first Vatican football team. Yet Cardinal Bertone declared this a joke. Sources: Korazym Papa Ratzinger Forum
Image 56:
Image 62:
Image 63:
Image 65:
Image 66:
Image 69:
Pontificial shoes made from red unboiled silk, with golden appliqués of brocade
Image 70:
Pontificial shoes of Pius IX Source:Tridentinum, Ferrara, Italien Image 71: Pontificial shoes, the type of Cardinal Pie Red silk with golden stitchings, inner lining made from red goatskin Source:Tridentinum, Ferrara, Italien
Image 73:
In my opinion, the owner of the shop either had the shoes produced especially for this occasion or he just got them to attract the attention of bypassers.
The Pope does not wear such shoes.
Imagery in liturgical tratcs
The stockings are seldomly pointed out. The may stand for pure change or, if taken as belonging to the shoes, for the office of sermon of the bishop. Imagery in liturgical prayers Prayers referring to the act of putting on pontificial stockings: "Don me, o Lord, with the stockings of righteousness, so that I may faithfully walk upon the paths of thy commandments." Sometimes the prayer spoken for the act of dressing concerned all parts of the fotgear, shoes as well as stockings.
Image 81:
Stockings as they are worn nowadays. white: pope red: cardinals violet: bishops black: priests
Msone ceremonial shoes
Msone ceremonial shoes are worn by member of the Syriac Orthodox church during the celebration of Qurbono. "Holy Qurbono is the divine mystery which truly, verily and substantially contains the body and blood of Jesus Christ, our Lord, in the eucharistical shapes of bread and wine." The shoes must not be made from leather. At first, the celebrant puts on the left shoe and pleads: "May my feet, oh Lord, my God, be soled in preparation of the evangelium of peace, so that I may grind all snakes, scorpions and all the power of the enemy with them." When slipping on the right shoe, he pleads: "Submit beneath my feet, oh Lord, all the wrong pride trying to transcend your wisdom, and bestow me your help, so that I may subdue the cupidity of all substance forever." Cermonial shoe of the Coptic church The altar room behind the iconostasis must not be entered with outddor shoes. During celebration, the priests wear woollen shoes. Sometimes these have got leather soles as well.
Picture taken of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at his visit to Germany, May 2008, published by the newspaper Saarbrücker Zeitung on 19 May 2008, page A2
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