Papal outfitters reflect the office they serve

Pontiff's clothing crafted in discreet Italian shop

The Gammarelli's storefront in Rome, near the Piazza Navona. The tailor has designed
clothing for Pontiffs since 1922. Until a week ago, three different-sized sets of white
vestments were displayed in the window. (Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic)

Who gets the fantastic opportunity of making the Pope's shoes and vestments? The B.C. Catholic's Alistair Burns writes from Rome:

Inside the shop, four men were bent over placing brown pattern pieces on a beautiful bolt of deep green brocade spread on a large countertop in the middle of the store. Once in a while they would glance at each other through horn-rimmed glasses and chat quietly in Italian.

The men were surrounded by bolts of brightly coloured materials stretching from floor to ceiling. Only one humble reminder showed the profound dedication that Gammarelli's has had, clothing the past seven Pontiffs, since 1922.

In a corner, small official portraits hang next to each other of Popes Pius XI, Pius XII, Blessed John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul I, Blessed John Paul II, and Benedict XVI.

For full story, see The B.C. Catholic website.