Dress of Roman Catholic Clergy describes the forms of dress of the secular clergy of the Roman Catholic Church according to current ecclesiastical law and custom. This page includes the full Latin text of the Instruction of the Secretariat of State Ut sive sollicite, on the dress, titles, and coats-of-arms of Cardinals, Bishops, and lesser Prelates, with the English translation of the present writer.
The text is published in Acta Apostolicae Sedis 61 (1969) 334-40.
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INSTRUCTIO Circa vestes, titulos et insignia generis Cardinalium, Episcoporum et Praelatorum ordine minorum. - |
INSTRUCTION On the dress, titles, and coats-of-arms of Cardinals, Bishops, and lesser Prelates. - | |
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Ut sive sollicite suum munus tueretur universae vigilandi Ecclesiae, sive Concilii Oecumenici Vaticani II indicia et consilia ad effectum adduceret, Summus Pontifex Paulus VI nihil praetermisit, quin considerationem suam etiam in quasdam vitae ecclesiasticae externas formas intenderet, ut pariter eas magis ad mutata temporum adiuncta componeret, pariter aptius ad summa animorum bona referret, quae iis formis et significari et foveri oportet.
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So that he might carefully fulfill his duty of keeping watch over the universal Church, and that he might bring into effect the directives and teachings of the Second Vatican Council, the Supreme Pontiff Pope Paul VI neglected nothing, in order to devote his attention even to certain external forms of ecclesiastical life, that at the present time he might adapt them more to the altered conditions of the times, to relate them more fittingly to the supreme good of souls, which ought to be encouraged and signified by these forms.
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De re videlicet agitur, qua mens hominum, qui nunc sunt, in primis commovetur, et in qua, extremis utriusque vitatis appetitionibus, proprietas et dignitas accommodentur opus est ad simplicitatem, ad utilitatem, ad demissionis denique et paupertatis spiritum, quo eos praesertim ornari decet, qui, cum ecclesiasticis officiis initiati sint, certum onus idcirco receperunt operam populo Dei navandi.
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This is the issue at hand which in the first place stirs up the mind of contemporary men and in which, avoiding the extreme inclinations of both sides, propriety and dignity should be accommodated, the work is for simplicity, usefulness, and finally a spirit of lowliness and poverty, which should adorn especially those who, because they are initiated into ecclesiastical offices, have thereby received a certain responsibility to perform their work for the people of God.
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Quapropter his ductus rationibus Summus Pontifex superioribus hisce duobus annis primum nonnullas edendas normas curavit circa vestes et alios Cardinalium honores (cfr. Decretum a S. Congregatione Caerimoniali [sic] die 6 mensis Iunii anno 1967 datum et N. 3711 notatum); deinde die 28 mensis Martii anno 1968, Litteras Apostolicas a verbis Pontificalis Domus incipientes motu proprio dedit de nova Domus Pontificiae ordinatione; praeterea die 21 mensis Iulii [sic] anno 1968 alias Apostolicas Litteras, quibus initium Pontificalia insignia, motu proprio de Pontificalibus insignibus emisit, quibus adiectum erat Decretum [sic] a S. Congregatione Rituum de eadem re, eodemque die factum, atque n. R. 32/968 notatum.
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Wherefore having been guided by these concerns the Supreme Pontiff has turned his attention in these last two years to giving some norms on the dress and other honors of Cardinals (cf. the Decree of the Sacred Ceremonial Congregation given on 6 June 1967, Prot. N. 3711); then on 28 March 1968 he gave motu proprio the Apostolic Letter Pontificalis Domus on the new arrangement of the Pontifical Household; furthermore on 21 [June] 1968 he issued another Apostolic Letter motu proprio, Pontificalia insignia, on Pontificals, to which has been added the [Instruction] of the Sacred Congregation of Rites on the same subject, made on the same day, Prot. N. R. 32/968.
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Cum autem haud ita pridem Summus Pontifex vellet planius immutare disciplinam de vestibus, de titulis deque insignibus generis sive Cardinalium, sive Episcoporum, sive Praelatorum ordine minorum, peculiari Cardinalium Coetui et Suae Secretariae Status mandavit, ut diligenter rei studerent, iustam rationem habentes et traditi moris, et nostrae huius aetatis usus, et summorum animi bonorum, cum hisce vitae formis, licet externis et adventiciis, quodammodo coniunctorum.
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Moreover, because not so long ago the Supreme Pontiff wished to change more plainly the discipline on dress, titles, and coats-of-arms of Cardinals, Bishops, and lesser Prelates, he ordered a particular commission of Cardinals and his Secretary of State to study diligently this issue, having in mind the right understanding of the custom handed down, the use of this age of ours, and the supreme good of the soul, with which these ways of life, that may be external and foreign, are in a way conjoined.
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Ex quibus collatis consiliis haec Instructio provenit, quam Summus Pontifex coram me Cardinali a publicis Ecclesiae negotiis, die 28 mensis Martii hoc anno ad colloquium admisso, ratam habuit, iussitque, ut a die 13 mensis Aprilis huius anni, hoc est a Dominica in Albis, vigere incipiat.
Contrariis quibusvis, etiam speciali mentione dignis, non obstantibus.
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From these collected counsels comes this Instruction, which the Supreme Pontiff ratified in my presence, the Cardinal Secretary of State, having been admitted in audience on 28 March of this year, and commanded that from 13 April of this year, which is Low Sunday, it would begin to take effect.
All things to the contrary notwithstanding, even those deserving special mention.
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DE VESTIMENTIS A) Pro S. R. E. Cardinalibus: 1. In usu permanent sive talaris vestis e lana similive e panno rubri coloris, una cum zona, limbis, suturis et globulis e rubro serico, sive mozeta eiusdem textilis et coloris ac vestis, dempto tamen cucullo.
Pallium, seu manteletum, aboletur.
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ON DRESS A) For Cardinals: 1. The cassock of red wool or similar cloth, with the sash, piping, stitching, and buttons of red silk, and the mozzetta of the same material and color as the cassock, but without the hood, continue in use.
The mantelletta is abolished.
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2. Item in usu permanet talaris vestis torulo exornata, una cum limbis, suturis, ocellis et globulis e rubro serico, dempto tamen reflexu in manicis.
Hanc supra vestem palliolum, torulo item exornatum, deferre licet.
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2. The red-trimmed cassock, with piping, stitching, buttonholes, and buttons of red silk, but without the oversleeves, also continues in use.
The shoulder-cape, with the same trimming, may be worn over it.
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3. Cum alterutra talari veste, sive rubri coloris, sive torulo exornata gestanda erit zona rubra e serico undulato cum laciniis item sericis duas extremas partes exornantibus.
Zona autem cum flocculis aboletur.
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With either cassock, whether red or red-trimmed, is to be worn the red sash of watered-silk with silk fringes at the two ends.
But the sash with tassels is abolished.
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4. Cum talaris vestis rubra gestatur, rubra etiam tibialia adhibentur. Usus vero tibialium rubrorum cum talari veste torulo exornata prorsus liber est.
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4. When the red cassock is worn, red stockings are also to be used. But the use of red stockings with the red-trimmed cassock is wholly optional.
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5. Vestis communis, seu cotidiani usus, potest esse talaris torulo non exornata. Una cum talari veste nigra, tibialia nigra adhibentur. Rubrum collare et pileolum, e serico undulato rubri coloris una etiam cum talari veste torulo non exornata deferri possunt.
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5. The common dress, or that of daily use, can be the plain cassock. With the black cassock black stockings are to be used. The red rabat and skullcap of red watered-silk can also be worn with the plain cassock.
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6. Biretum, ex undulato serico rubri coloris, una tantum cum chorali veste, non autem pro communi capitis tegumento, adhiberi potest.
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6. The biretta of red watered-silk can be used with choir dress, but not as a common head covering.
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7. Usus perampli talaris pallii ex serico undulato rubri coloris non amplius praescribitur in pontificalibus audientiis iisque caeremoniis, quae adstante Summo Pontifice peraguntur. Idem aliis in casibus liber est, veruntamen ad sollemniora adiuncta reservatur.
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7. The use of the red watered-silk ferraiolone is no longer obligatory for papal audiences and those ceremonies held with the Supreme Pontiff present. It is optional in other cases, nevertheless it is reserved to more solemn occasions.
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8. Peramplum talare pallium laneum rubri coloris aboletur, atque pro eo decorum nigri coloris pallium substitui potest, cui adicere palliolum licet.
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8. The red wool tabarro is abolished, but a suitable black cloak can be substituted for it, to which can be added a shoulder-cape.
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9. Ruber galerus et petasus e rubro item gausapo abolentur. In usu autem permanet petasus e nigro gausapo, qui, si casus ferat, chordulis flocculisque rubri et flavi coloris exornari poterit.
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9. The red galero and red plush hat are abolished. But the black plush hat continues in use, which, when warranted, can be adorned with red and gold cords and tassels.
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10. Usus rubrorum calceorum atque fibularum, earum etiam quae argenteae super nigros calceos imponuntur, tollitur.
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10. The use of red shoes and buckles, even silver ones on black shoes, is abolished.
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11. In usu permanet rochetum e lino similive e textili.
Eidem vero numquam superpelliceum imponetur.
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11. The rochet of linen or similar material continues in use.
But the surplice is never to be placed over it.
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12. Magna cappa sine pelle mustelina, scilicet sine hermellino, non amplius praescribitur, eademque tantum extra Urbem, in sollemnissimis quidem festivitatibus, adhiberi poterit.
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12. The cappa magna without weasel fur, that is to say without ermine, is no longer obligatory, nevertheless outside the City it can indeed be used on very solemn feasts.
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13. Usus funiculi et catellae ad pectoralem Crucem sustinendam servatur. Funiculus autem tunc tantum gerendus est, cum talaris vestis rubri coloris aut sacrae vestes adhibentur.
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13. The use of the cord and chain for supporting the pectoral cross is retained. But the cord is then only to be worn when the red cassock or sacred vestments are used.
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B) Pro Episcopis:
14. Similiter ac de Cardinalium vestibus statutum est, Episcopi servant vestem talarem violacei coloris, mozetam sine cucullo, et vestem talarem nigram torulo, ocellis, globulis ac subsuto rubini coloris ornatam. Mozeta ubique terrarum gestari poterit, etiam ab Episcopis titularibus. Manteletum seu pallium violacei coloris aboletur.
Vestis talaris nigra cum torulo ceterisque ornamentis rubini coloris non amplius praecipitur, ut vestis communis. Supra hanc vestem palliolum gestari poterit.
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B) For Bishops:
14. As has been similarly established for the dress of Cardinals, Bishops retain the purple cassock, mozzetta without hood, and the red-trimmed black cassock with red buttonholes, buttons, and lining. The mozzetta will be able to be worn in every place, even by titular Bishops. The purple mantelletta is abolished.
The black cassock with red trimming and other ornaments is no longer prescribed as common dress. The shoulder-cape will be able to be worn over it.
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15. Quod attinet ad zonam sericam violaceam, ad tibialia, ad vestem communem, ad collare, ad pileolum, ad biretum, ad peramplum talare ex serico violacei coloris pallium, ad talare laneum pallium eiusdem coloris, ad fibulas, ad rochetum, ad cappam magnam, ad funiculum et catellam Crucis pectoralis, serventur normae, quae NN. 3-8 et 10-13 statutae sunt.
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15. What pertains to the purple sash, stockings, common dress, rabat, skullcap, biretta, purple silk ferraiolone, purple wool tabarro, buckles, rochet, cappa magna, and the cord and chain of the pectoral cross, the norms established in nos. 3-8 and 10-13 are retained.
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16. Usus vigere pergit petasi gausapati chordula et floccis viridi coloris ornati, qui similis erit pro omnibus Episcopis, residentialibus et titularibus.
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16. The use of the plush hat adorned with a green cord and tassels, which will be the same for all Bishops, residential and titular, continues to be in force.
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17. Episcopi ex Ordinibus vel Congregationibus religiosis delecti utentur veste talari violacei coloris, veste talari cum vel sine torulo, globulis, ocellis ac subsuto rubini coloris, haud secus ac ceteri Episcopi.
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17. Bishops chosen from religious Orders or Congregations will use the purple cassock, and the cassock with or without red trimming, buttons, buttonholes, and lining, just as other Bishops.
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C) Pro Praelatis ordine minoribus:
18. Praelati Superiores Dicasteriorum Curiae Romanae dignitate episcopali non aucti, Auditores Sacrae Romanae Rotae, Promotor Generalis Iustitiae et Defensor Vinculi in Supremo Tribunali Apostolicae Signaturae, Protonotarii Apostolici de numero, Clerici Camerae Apostolicae et Praelati Pontificali Aulae addicti servant vestem talarem violacei coloris, manteletum seu pallium violaceum, rochetum, vestem talarem cum torulo ceterisque ornamentis rubini coloris sine palliolo, zonam violaceam cum laciniis sericis duas extremas partes exornantibus, peramplum talare pallium violacei coloris, quod tamen necessario adhibendum non est, et floccum rubrum supra biretum.
Zona serica cum flocculis, tibialia violacei coloris et fibulae supra calceos tolluntur.
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C) For lesser Prelates:
18. The Prelate Superiors of the Dicasteries of the Roman Curia who do not have the episcopal dignity, the Auditors of the Sacred Roman Rota, the Promotor General of Justice and the Defender of the Bond in the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signature, the Protonotaries Apostolic de numero, the Clerics of the Apostolic Camera and the Prelates of the Pontifical Antechamber retain the purple cassock, purple mantelletta, rochet, cassock with red trimming and other ornaments without shoulder-cape, purple sash with silk fringes at the two ends, the purple ferraiolone (which nevertheless it is not necessary to use), and the red tuft on the biretta.
The silk sash with tassels, purple stockings, and buckles on the shoes are abolished.
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19. Ad Protonotarios Apostolicos supra numerum et ad Praelatos Honorarios Sanctitatis Suae quod attinet, abolentur manteletum violacei coloris, zona serica cum flocculis, tibialia violacei coloris, fibulae supra calceos et floccum rubrum supra biretum.
Servantur autem vestis talaris violacei coloris, vestis talaris nigra cum torulo ceterisque ornamentis rubini coloris sine palliolo, et zona serica laciniis ornata. Si opus fuerit, supra vestem talarem violacei coloris, loco rocheti, iidem induent superpelliceum non crispatum.
Pallium talare violacei coloris, etsi non praecipiatur, servant Protonotarii Apostolici supra numerum, non autem Praelati Honorarii Sanctitatis Suae.
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19. For Protonotaries Apostolic supra numerum and Honorary Prelates of His Holiness, the purple mantelletta, silk sash with tassels, purple stockings, buckles on the shoes, and red tuft on the biretta are abolished.
However the purple cassock, black cassock with red trimming and other ornaments without shoulder-cape, and silk sash with fringes are retained. If it is required, over the purple cassock, in place of the rochet, the same will wear an unpleated surplice.
Protonotaries Apostolic supra numerum retain the purple ferraiolone (although not required) but not Honorary Prelates of His Holiness.
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20. Pro Cappellanis Sanctitatis Suae vigere pergit usus vestis talaris nigrae cum torulo ceterisque ornamentis, et serica zona violacei coloris, quae gestanda erit etiam in sacris caeremoniis.
Vestis talaris violacea, peramplum pallium eiusdem coloris binis caudis praeditum, zona flocculis ornata, et fibulae supra calceos abolentur.
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20. For Chaplains of His Holiness the use of the black cassock with purple trimming and other ornaments with purple silk sash continues to be in force, which is to be worn even in sacred ceremonies.
The purple cassock, mantellone of the same color, sash with tassels, and buckles on the shoes are abolished.
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TITULI ATQUE INSIGNIA 21. Tituli, quos cognationis dicunt, a Summo Pontifice adhibiti erga Patres Cardinales, Episcopos aliosque ecclesiasticos viros, hi ex ordine tantummodo erunt, qui sequuntur:
« Venerabilis Frater Noster » |
TITLES AND COATS-OF-ARMS 21. The titles, called those of kinship, used by the Supreme Pontiff in reference to the Cardinals, Bishops, and other ecclesiastics, will be only these that follow:
"Our Venerable Brother" - | |
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22. Pro Patribus Cardinalibus adhiberi poterit titulus « Eminentiae », pro Episcopis vero titulus « Excellentiae », quibus adiungi etiam fas erit adiectivum nomen « Reverendissimum ».
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22. For Cardinals the title "Eminence" will be used, but for Bishops the title "Excellency," to which may also be joined the adjectival phrase "Most Reverend."
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23. Cum vero vel Pater Cardinalis vel Episcopus, aut scriptis aut oretenus, compellatur, prior « Dominus Cardinalis », alter vero italica lingua Monsignore vocari poterit.
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23. When a Cardinal or a Bishop is addressed, either in writing or orally, he may be called "Lord Cardinal" or according to the Italian language "Monsignor," respectively.
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24. Titulus Monsignore, qui in rationibus habendis cum Episcopo adhibetur, coniunctum habere poterit adiectivum « Reverendissimum ».
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24. The title "Monsignor," when used addressing a Bishop, can be joined to the adjective "Most Reverend."
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25. Etiam pro Praelatis, quorum mentio facta est ad N. 18, titulus Monsignore coniungi poterit cum adiectivo nomine « Reverendissimo ».
Decanus Sacrae Romanae Rotae atque Secretarius Supremi Tribunalis Signaturae Apostolicae ornari poterunt titulo « Excellentiae », quin tamen eidem titulus « Reverendissimus » addatur. Quod quidem fieri potest etiam pro Vicario Camerarii Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae.
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25. For the Prelates mentioned in no. 18 also, the title "Monsignor" can be joined with the adjectival phrase "Most Reverend."
The Dean of the Sacred Roman Rota and the Secretary of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signature can use the title "Excellency," but not with the title "Most Reverend" added to it. The same also applies to the Vice-Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.
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26. Protonotarii Apostolici supra numerum, Praelati Honorarii, necnon Cappellani Sanctitatis Suae titulo Monsignore ornari poterunt, quem praecedere potest, si casus ferat, nomen adiectivum « Reverendum ».
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26. Protonotaries Apostolic supra numerum, Honorary Prelates of His Holiness, and also Chaplains of His Holiness will be able to use the title "Monsignor," which they can precede, when warranted, by the adjectival phrase "Reverend."
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27. In officiosis litteris scribendis omitti poterunt verba « sacram osculatus purpuram » atque « sacrum anulum osculatus ».
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27. In official letters the expressions "kissing the sacred purple" and "kissing the sacred ring" can be omitted.
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28. Sive Patribus Cardinalibus, sive Episcopis conceditur, ut generis insigne adhibere possint.
Huius vero insignis aspectus ad normam artis exarandorum insignium delineandus erit, idemque simplex atque perspicuus sit oportet. Ab huiusmodi autem insigni sive baculi pastorali sive infulae effigies tollantur.
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28. It is granted to Cardinals and to Bishops to use a coat-of-arms.
But the design of this coat-of-arms is to be delineated according to the norm of heraldry, and ought to be simple and clear. The images of the pastoral staff and miter are abolished from coats-of-arms.
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29. Patribus Cardinalibus permittitur, ut proprium insigne in templi fronte, quod eorum Titulum vel Diaconiam efficiat, depictum suspendere curent.
Ab inferiore tamen templo Purpurati Patris, cuius est Titulus, removeatur imago. Venia autem conceditur ut, in memoratis templis, haud procul a primariis foribus, Patris Cardinalis, ad quem Titulus spectat, nomen legatur, accommodata forma litteris inscribendum, quae cum sacri aedificii structura apte conveniat.
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29. Cardinals are permitted to have their own coat-of-arms displayed on the front of the church that constitutes their Title or Deaconry.
But from the church of a Cardinal, which is his Title, his portrait is to be removed. However permission is given for the name of the Cardinal to whom the Title belongs to be read in the above mentioned churches, not far from the main door, inscribed in letters in a manner suited to the structure of the sacred building.
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30. Quod ad Patrum Cardinalium vel Patriarcharum ex Orientali Ritu vestes et titulos attinet, proprii cuiusque ritus usus serventur.
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30. With regard to the dress and titles of Cardinals or Patriarchs from an Oriental Rite, the use of each particular right is to be retained.
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31. Patriarchae Latini Ritus, Romana Purpura non decorati, vestes induant, quibus ceteri Episcopi utuntur.
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31. Patriarchs of the Latin Rite, not members of the Sacred College of Cardinals, wear the vestments which other Bishops use.
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32. Pontificii Legati, qui episcopali dignitate sive condecorentur sive careant, ad normas sese accommodent, quae Episcopis supra praescripta sunt.
Iis tamen, in sua cuiusque sede, zonam, pileolum, biretum atque peramplum talare pallium ex undulato serico confectum induere licet. Horum tamen Legatorum ii tantum « Venerabilis Fratris » nomine vocabuntur, ut supra ad N. 21 scriptum est, qui episcopali dignitate ornati erunt.
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32. Pontifical Legates, whether they possess or lack the episcopal dignity, are to conform to the norms that are written above for Bishops.
But in their own see they are allowed to wear the sash, skullcap, biretta, and ferraiolone made of watered-silk. Moreover only those Legates will be called by the name "Venerable Brother," as is written above no. 21, who have the episcopal dignity.
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33. Praelati atque Abbates « nullius », Apostolici Administratores, Vicarii ac Praelati Apostolici, qui Episcoporum dignitate careant, easdem vestes ac ceteri Episcopi induere poterunt.
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33. Prelates and Abbots nullius, Apostolic Administrators, and Vicars and Prelates Apostolic who lack the dignity of Bishops can use the same dress as other Bishops.
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34. Quod ad appellationes attinet, Episcoporum Conferentiae opportunas leges edere queunt, quae singularum regionum usibus respondeant, habita tamen ratione normarum atque regularum, quae hac Instructione continentur.
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34. What pertains to address, the Conferences of Bishops can lay down suitable laws that conform to the uses of individual regions, taking into account however the norms and rules contained in this Instruction.
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35. Quod denique spectat ad Canonicorum, Beneficiariorum Parochorumque vestes et titulos, aptae praescriptiones a S. Congregatione pro Clero in posterum edentur, quae ad huius tamen Instructionis rationes accommodabuntur, scilicet ut in hac etiam materia omnia ad simpliciorem formam redigantur.
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35. Finally, concerning the dress and titles of Canons, Beneficiaries, and Pastors, suitable prescriptions will be laid down for the future by the Sacred Congregation for the Clergy that are in keeping with the reasons for this Instruction, namely that in this matter also all things may be reduced to a simpler form.
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Datum ex Aedibus Vaticanis, die XXXI mensis Martii, anno MCMLXIX.
a publicis Ecclesiae negotiis |
Given from the Vatican Palace on 31 March 1969.
Secretary of State |