“We embroidered this papal robe wholeheartedly praying that Pope Francis would bring peace to our nation with every step he takes in this robe.”

Six nuns from the Seoul-based Sister Disciples of the Divine Master religious community worked for about four months to make by hand a papal robe for Pope Francis, who will visit Korea from August 14 until 18.


This refined robe is to be worn by the visiting pontiff when he celebrates Mass and conducts the beatification ceremony for Paul Yun Ji-chung and 124 other martyrs at Gwanghwamun Gate in Seoul on August 16. It is red, as the color represents martyrdom. The official logo designed in honor of the papal visit, symbolizing flames, cross-like patterns and a chalice, was inlaid in the fabric using sophisticated needlework.

“The robe emphasizes simplicity, rather than luxury,” said one of the nuns. “The concept matches the pope’s philosophy that focuses on helping the poor and those at the bottom of the social scale.”


The Preparatory Committee for the Visitation of the Holy Father also unveiled other official robes to be worn by the pope during his five-day stay.

The papal robe to be worn when he celebrates Mass on the Solemnity of the Assumption, at the World Cup Stadium in Daejeon on August 15, features the letters “A” and “M,” the first initials of “Ave Maria.” Three doves encircle a crown placed above the letters. The doves represent the Roman Catholic doctrine of the Holy Trinity that defines God as three consubstantial persons: the Father, the Son, or Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.


The white vestment designed for the closing Mass at the sixth Asian Youth Day at the Haemi Fortress in Chungcheongnam-do on August 17 embraces the beauty of traditional brushstroke artwork commonly found in Korean paintings. A cross pattern is painted on the back, as if drawn in ink. Next to the cross, a blade of wheat and a cluster of grapes are featured, each symbolizing the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

“The production of any form of papal clothing is something that any famous designer wants to work on. Although we are far behind those professional designers, we put all our energy into making it as good as it can be,” said Sister Beatrix Kim Hye-yune of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of Mirinae. “We were more concerned with the process than the result, as we prayed, made sacrifices and dedicated all our efforts to the process. We felt sure that God was and will always be with us.”


On the final day of his stay, August 18, the pope will appear in a pure-white robe at Myeongdong Cathedral in central Seoul where he will celebrate a Mass for Peace and Reconciliation.

The color white represents delight and happiness. The robe is embroidered with two doves, symbolic of peace, and olive branches, signifying redemption, all featured in a central circular pattern.

By Sohn JiAe
Korea.net Staff Writer
jiae5853@korea.kr