Red shoe rivalry: How papal footwear signalled deep divide between Pope Benedict and Pope Francis
Pope Benedict XVI's signature red shoes and Pope Francis' preference for plain white footwear have become unlikely symbols of the differing paths taken by the two pontiffs.
Where Benedict leaned into tradition and visual grandeur with fur-lined vestments, gem-encrusted rings, and pectoral crosses, Francis opted for simplicity and humility—choices that reflect deeper divides within the modern Catholic Church. With both popes now deceased, their contrasting legacies continue to shape debates over the Church's future direction.
Pope Benedict often used clothing as a statement of continuity. His red shoe, historically worn by popes as a sign of martyrdom and ecclesiastical authority reflected his vision of a Church grounded in heritage and doctrine, especially at a time when global faith was facing deep scrutiny over scandal and secularisation.
Photo: Corbis
In contrast, Pope Francis, elected in 2013, immediately shifted the Church's visual tone. Rejecting opulence, he maintained his simple white cassock and shoes, setting aside many of the traditional trappings.
Photo: Vatican Pool
This choice aligned with his broader mission: a more inclusive and humble Catholicism. Francis focused on outreach to the poor, addressing climate change, and revising pastoral attitudes on issues like divorce and LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Despite efforts to present a united front, tensions surfaced publicly, notably when Benedict published a 2019 letter attributing the clerical abuse crisis to societal changes rather than institutional failures. Francis had already placed blame squarely on systemic power imbalances within the Church.
Following Benedict's resignation in 2013—the first by a pope in nearly 600 years—and his death in 2022, Pope Francis carried on the reforms. His passing, announced Monday, marks the end of an era shaped by their parallel influences.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
27-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Jordan Peterson stuns atheist debaters by refusing to identify as Christian in viral exchange
Canadian philosopher Jordan Peterson sparked controversy on Sunday after refusing to identify as a Christian during a heated debate with atheist vlogger Danny in a viral YouTube discussion about theology. Peterson, 62, appeared on Jubilee Media's "Surrounded: Jordan Peterson vs Twenty Atheists," a show that invites challengers to question him on a range of topics. As part of the format, Peterson sat at a desk surrounded by participants, each of whom took turns challenging his views. The exchange grew tense after Danny, a philosophy graduate and host of the PhilTalk channel, questioned Peterson about his connection to Catholicism and his stance on the Virgin Mary. "Why is that relevant?" Peterson responded when Danny pressed him on his religious affiliation. "Because you go to a Catholic church. You're interested in Catholicism, aren't you?" Danny replied. "How do they regard Mary?" The debate quickly escalated when Peterson denied the label of "Christian." 'You say that. I haven't claimed that,' Peterson snapped, as Danny insisted that his attendance at Catholic services indicated his faith. When Danny challenged Peterson with an ultimatum—'Either you're a Christian or you're not'—Peterson retorted, 'I could be either of them, but I don't have to tell you… it's private.' The confrontation reached its peak when Peterson, visibly frustrated, told Danny, 'You're really quite something, you are.' Danny shot back, 'Aren't I? But you're really quite nothing.' The insult drew audible gasps from other participants, and Peterson, clearly agitated, concluded the segment, declaring, "I'm done with him." Peterson, a former psychology professor at the University of Toronto, has long been a controversial figure. He rose to prominence a decade ago for his outspoken critiques of identity politics and political correctness, later becoming known for his impassioned media appearances. In a January 2025 interview with The Spectator, Peterson had hinted at his complex relationship with Christianity. "In the deepest sense, yes, I would say I am a Christian," he said. "But I'm striving for understanding above all. I suppose people might call me agnostic, but that's not true… I'm a new kind of Christian." The debate continues to divide opinions online, with some defending Peterson's right to explore his beliefs on his own terms, while others criticise his reluctance to openly identify with a faith tradition.
Business Recorder
21-05-2025
- Business Recorder
Pope calls for ‘sufficient humanitarian aid' into Gaza
VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo XIV called Wednesday for sufficient humanitarian aid to be allowed into war-ravaged Gaza, where humanitarian agencies say a total blockade has sparked critical food and medicine shortages. 'The situation in the Gaza Strip is worrying and painful,' the pope said during his first weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square. 'I renew my heartfelt appeal to allow the entry of sufficient humanitarian aid and to put an end to the hostilities, the heartbreaking price of which is paid by children, the elderly, the sick,' he said. Leo, who was elected on May 8 to be the Catholic Church's first US pope, has made peace a theme of his papacy so far, calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. Israel has come under massive international pressure to abandon its intensified military campaign in Gaza and allow urgent humanitarian aid into the besieged strip. The UN announced Monday that it had been cleared to send in aid for the first time since Israel imposed a total blockade on March 2, sparking severe shortages of food and medicine. But aid groups say the amount allowed in is not enough to meet needs.
Express Tribune
19-05-2025
- Express Tribune
JD Vance under fire for breaking protocol during papal meeting
Listen to article US Vice President JD Vance has come under fire online for making what many consider an inappropriate gesture during his meeting with the newly elected Pope Leo XIV. Vance was seen lightly patting the pope on the elbow following a handshake after the papal inauguration mass at St Peter's Square on Sunday. Social media users described the act as overly familiar, disrespectful, and a breach of Vatican protocol. JD Vance, joined by his wife, Usha Vance, met Pope Leo XIV following the pontiff's inaugural Mass in St. Peter's Square. What do you notice? — Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) May 18, 2025 Vatican etiquette discourages any uninvited physical contact with the pope, apart from shaking hands or kissing the papal ring. Many online said Vance's gesture resembled greeting an old friend, which some described as condescending. No-class Vance actually tries to do a shoulder-slap (wayyyyy too casual and familiar) ON THE POPE (!) at the end. Incredible! — A.J. Delgado (@AJDelgado13) May 18, 2025 'He embarrassed himself at the Vatican,' one user wrote. Others said he showed poor manners and disrespect for sacred tradition. I can't believe they let jd vance back into the vatican after the last pope he laid his gorish eyeliners on died. The way the Pope shook his body after little Mr. Cyanide Eyes touched his elbow is very telling. — Cousin Focaccia 💐 (@ieesssh) May 19, 2025 The criticism follows another controversial moment last month when Vance was accused of violating Vatican rules by posting photographs from inside the Sistine Chapel, where photography is strictly prohibited. Pope Leo XIV, the first American elected as head of the Catholic Church, has previously been critical of several Republican policies, including those endorsed by Vance and Trump. Despite their differing political stances, the Vatican meeting between Vance and Pope Leo appeared cordial until the criticised gesture took place. When asked about the pope's political views, Vance said he would 'pray for him and the Church through it all.' Previously, JD Vance met Pope Francis on Easter Sunday, just hours before the pope died of a stroke. The timing of the meeting led to a wave of memes and dark jokes on social media, with many users reacting to the unusual turn of events.
