Retiring Pope Benedict XVI gets to keep a couple titles — “Your Holiness Benedict XVI” and “emeritus pope” — and his white cassock. But he’s turning in his signature red shoes and going brown.
Vatican spokesman Rev. Federico Lombardi said the pope decided on his future wear — which has been widely discussed since he announced his retirement — in consultation with Vatican officials, according to The Associated Press.
Replacing the red shoes will be the hand-crafted brown loafers given him during a 2012 visit to Mexico, the AP states.
The pope on Monday announced cardinals could move up the beginning date of the conclave. It’s expected that 115 eligible cardinals — those under the age of 80 — will meet in Rome to decide the next pope. Two who are eligible to vote have already said they would not attend, AP reports.
Cardinals ages 80 and older can be a part of the meetings, but can’t vote.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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