Pope Benedict XVI - Fashion celeb?

Whether it's Prada and Gucci, or just fancy ecclesiastical tailoring, Pope Benedict XVI is his own man when it comes to dressing.

Just days before Christmas, Benedict showed up at his weekly public audience in St. Peter's Square wearing a fur-trimmed stocking cap that could have passed for a Santa Claus hat.

Earlier this month, he made another fashion statement when he donned a red velvet cape trimmed in ermine for the traditional papal visit to the statue of the Madonna near the Spanish Steps that marks the beginning of Rome's Christmas season.

Coming after gossip about his wearing Gucci sunglasses and bright red Prada loafers, the vintage styles have turned Benedict into something of a fashion celebrity.

'Those red shoes have made quite an impression,' said Vatican historian Alberto Melloni.
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But those who know Joseph Ratzinger from his years as head of the Vatican's doctrinal office dismiss any notion of vanity in the new pope's dressing habits.

'He wouldn't know Gucci from Smoochi,' said Marjorie Weeke, a former official at the Vatican's Social Communications office.

She recalled Ratzinger's daily walk across St. Peter's Square from his home just outside the Vatican walls to his office, wearing a black beret and black overcoat and carrying a worn leather briefcase.

'He probably donned the cape because it was in the papal closet and would keep him warm on a winter evening,' she said of the mozzetta.

I have to agree Ms. Weeke. I don't think Pope Benedict is trying to be chic or anything of the sort. "It's cold, I need a hat, what does a pope wear to keep his head warm? A Camauro; that's what I will wear." "I need shoes, what kind of shoes do popes wear? Red slippers/loafers; that's what I'll wear."

I think it's clear that the Holy Father finds merit in dressing according to the customs of his office, and I can really appreciate that. I just find it hard to believe for a moment that making a fashion statement ever crosses his mind.

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