The Papal Fanon

The fanon is a papal vestment worn for solemn liturgies. It is the only prominent vestment distinctive of the rank of a pope. This custom dates back at least to the 8th-century. The fanon is also worn by the Patriarch of Lisbon. The photo below depicts Pope St. John Paul II praying at the tomb of St. Cecilia in Rome on her feast day. 

Image from My Catholic Faith (A Catechism in Pictures)

The fanon is essentially a lightweight mozzetta. Round in shape, made of silk, with stripes of gold and red on an off-white slightly almond background. Real gold thread was used to give it a shine. The trim was a gold galloon. A button at the top secured it (in the rear) after it was placed over the head of the pope while he was being vested before Mass in the Apostolic Palace.

All the grades of hierarchy form the clergy, meaning "the chosen ones." By divine institution, the hierarchy exists, consisting of bishops with the pope at the top. The Roman Pontiff is the Successor of St. Peter, the Bishop of Rome, and the Patriarch of the West. 

He has supreme and universal jurisdiction. Of the bishops, one only was made by Christ the head of the universal Church. The fanon is one vestment that sets the pope apart clearly (the papal falda is an additional papal vestment, also shared by some patriarchs, and the papal mantum). 

Lastly, there were two fanons donned by the popes for solemn liturgies (see images below). The second visible one had on its front an embroidered cross in golden filigree. It should also be noted that deceased popes are buried in the fanon (the last was Pope John XXIII in 1963).

Depicted in the final images below is a fanon that belonged to Pope John XXIII. It is believed to have been worn at the solemn opening of Vatican Council II. This historic vestment was acquired by the secretary of Cardinal Tisserant, Monsignor Pedro Lopez Gallo of the Archdiocese of Guadalajara, Mexico. Today it is in possession of the Archdiocese of Vancouver. It is considered a second-class relic. 

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