The Pope in Comfortable Shoes- Pope Wears Prada (intelligent designer?)

[Ian David]

Newsweek

He may never make the best-dressed lists, but Pope Benedict XVI is nothing short of a religious-fashion icon, riding in the Popemobile with red Prada loafers under his cassock and Gucci shades. But his penchant for designer wear and a move to ditch the papal tailors who have dressed popes for more than 200 years are causing new wrinkles in the Vatican.

Benedict has favored his tailor from his days as cardinal, Alessandro Cattaneo, and the 20-year-old religious-fashion house of Raniero Mancinelli, which has provided the pope with dazzling new vestments (some with shimmering, sequinlike details). At risk of losing the papal-dress contract are the Annibale Gammarelli tailors, who have made papal wear since 1792. But they blundered when Benedict had to make his debut blessing in a cassock that was too short, ending just above his ankles. Subsequent celebratory vestments made by Gammarelli are reported to have made the pope uncomfortable.

The Vatican won't comment on papal attire, and Gammarelli denies it is getting the ax: "We are still in contact with the Holy Father. Perhaps there was only an occasional gift by some friend of the pontiff," the tailor says.

More:
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/10016674/site/newsweek/

[Debi]

1. What happened to the vow of poverty?

I know that Preists can accept gifts (like loaner cars and a place to live) but thought that they were supposed to live in a humble manner.

Prada? WTF?

[noonwitch]

2. A good pair of comfortable shoes are important for a guy who's on his feet

Cheap shoes end up having to be replaced all the time and are really not that cheap in the long run. I have no idea how much Prada shoes cost, but a good pair of Roots can be had for $100 or less.

The expensive shades, on the other hand, are a pure luxury.

[Southsideirish]

6. But...red???

[Debi]

10. Goes with the dress? n/t

[Debi]

9. At Neiman Marcus a pair of Prada men's loafers sell at $350-$370.00 n/t

[shanti]

12. pradas are

VERY expensive shoes. vow of poverty, hmmmph!

[Bamboo]

13. Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez

Conservatives say government has spent trillions on government programs and we still have poverty,their solution is to let religion be the transfer program and redistribute wealth.People who donate to churches do not exactly know where the money goes but they want strict accountability by government.We elect Presidents who do not like government,at least the Catholic Church is smart enough not to let members vote.

11/21/05 CELEBRATION CO. to Bishop Thomas G. Wenski of the Diocese of Orlando, Celebration South Village, $900,000

[Proud2BAmurkin]

3. Who Would Jesus Wear

nt

[Ian David]

7. Those shoes are expensive. Cheapest ones on this site are $300

http://www.raffaello-network.com/raffties/list_products.php?rangeid=28&prodrange=Prada%20Mens%20Shoes

Here's a used pair on Ebay for £99
I am selling a pair of lovely red Prada leather shoes with lace ups. They are UK size 6 (eur 23) and in good condition - some scuffing to front, but plenty of wear left. In their original box - cost £99! Low starting price!

http://cgi.ebay.ie/RED-PRADA-SHOES-SUZE-6-IN-ORIGINAL-BOX_W0QQitemZ6819409373QQcategoryZ3079QQcmdZViewItem

[UTUSN]

4. Well, If This Will Keep His Mind off of Inquisitorial Matters

So far he hasn't supported intelligent design and the overthrow of evolution and hasn't forced the withholding of communion to Cath office holders who are pro-Choice.

[Imagine My Surprise]

5. From a probable self-loathing, Roy Cohn-esque Pope...

one wouldn't expect much less, would one? She wouldn't be caught dead without her Gucci's.

[ComerPerro]

8. That's why people give money to the Church, I guess

[mumon]

11. I would have thought he favored Bruno Maglis

But maybe OJ Simpson was right: they are "uggly-ass" shoes.