The Tamesis
He began designing clothing for Pope Benedict in 2007 and has designed more than 50 gorgeous and exquisite robes for him. Sorcinelli’s eye-catching designs stand out in the field of contemporary ceremonial clothing because he focuses on medieval styles and reinterprets them through modern materials and contemporary techniques. This year he celebrates 25 years in the field of sacred clothing. “I felt more clearly the responsibility of a work that was part of the church, even before it was part of my personal story,” Socinelli shared Fashion today. “The sacred vestments become the visible language of faith…It possesses tremendous symbolic power. The person recedes and the symbol appears.”
Sorcinelli recalled meeting Pope Leo (then Cardinal Prevost) in the small commune of Tolentino in Marche, central Italy, many years before Pope Leo was elected. “I remember his composure, the calmness in his eyes, and the inner clarity that was completely clear,” he said.
Solsinelli said each of the three popes he has dressed had his own unique style signature. “Benedict XVI embodied the splendor of doctrinal form; Francis brought beauty back to its pastoral essence; and Leo XIV seemed to bring together into one austere and clear image the order, contemplation and Roman significance of the Church,” he explained.
Francis’ designs reflected his humble personality, with the costumes inspired by the Italian Renaissance painter Giotto’s series of medieval frescoes, particularly those in Assisi, to pay homage to the names of his chosen saints. He chose only simple and necessary jewelry, and plain trousers and robes.
Pope Leo XIV visits the Principality of Monaco.Photo: Getty Images
Pope Leo XIV presided over the Marian Spiritual Jubilee Mass in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.Photo: Getty Images
Solsinelli acknowledged that liturgical clothing is an important image of the Catholic faith today, but it is also “dualistic.” “[It is] Both ancient and future-oriented, evoking the continuity of tradition, authority, sacrifice, order and transcendence. “In an age dominated by fast images, papal vestments impose continuity,” he said. So while the papacy is not immune to trends cycles, it does itself persist for a few generations or so.
