Cardinal Gerlier

Pierre-Marie Cardinal Gerlier (originally Gerlicz, after his Polish father), Archbishop of Lyon and Primate of the Gauls, sitting on the throne during a Pontifical High Mass celebrated in the cathedral of St. John the Baptist. The metropolitan’s legs are covered with a gremiale, whose two ends are held by priests in capes assisting him. This is a characteristic element of the Lyonese rite, just like the six priests in liturgical vestments visible in the photo,  who are part of the extensive episcopal assist. It is also worth paying attention to the location of the archbishop’s throne, which is placed in the eastern apse of the church, behind the great altar [photo from Liturgical Arts Journal].