Tailor to wear a new pope as well

This afternoon in the Vatican begins an event of global dimensions, the election of the new pope. During numerous preparations for the Conclaves, it is far from the eyes of the public in a small tailoring workshop, just a stone’s throw from the basilica of St. Petra, his important work also done an 86-year-old tailor Raniero Mancinelli. His skillful hands have sewed a garment that will be worn at the most symbolic moment by the new chief of the Roman Catholic Church. This will happen in the lobby of the Sistine Chapel, where he will put on his papal garment for the first time.

Experienced Mancinelli has tamed in three sizes: 50, 54 and 58, he confided in a US newspaper journalist National Catholic Reporterwho visited him through the start of the Conclav. When the clothes were sewn, he handed them over to the cardinals. « This is a gift, as always, » explained the tailor, who started his work at the age of 15 as his father’s assistant. Despite the important task, she says she feels quite common. “I have been doing this work for 70 years. I work with my daughter and her 23-year-old grandson Lorenzo, who this time makes the papal belt. Such is a tradition that needs to be continued. « 

He has been sewing for the clergy all his life and does not intend to retire. First of all, his clients were priests who later became bishops, cardinals and even popes. In his workshop, the walls are glued to photographs where the tailor laughs in the company of the popes he dressed: John Paul II., Benedict XVI. and the deceased Francis. It was with him that they made a special bond: “I will never forget our first most beautiful and wonderful meeting. It seemed like we were old friends. I met him at least five times. He chose me. ”He is in Mancinelli’s store Jorge Mario Bergoglio More than 30 years ago, he bought an iron lubricant cross, which he carried until his death, and is now depicted over his grave in the basilica of Mary the Snow.

Even after Bergoglio became the Pope, he wanted Mancinelli to continue his clothes. But he always demanded that they be as simple as possible. “Francis did not like dear things. He wanted simple, durable goods. « 

His modest lifestyle has also changed his view of the papal elegance. He did not want to wear a luxurious red cloak on the evening of election, but appeared in a simple white clothing that became so recognizable. Mancinelli, however, also sewed a red cloak, just in case, if the new holy father wanted to dress like a pope.