First Vespers

Pope Benedict XVI during the first Vespers of Advent, Anno Domini 2009, celebrated on November 28 in the Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican. The Holy Father is dressed in a purple cope made especially for him with the papal coats of arms on the flaps and with a simple formale on the clasp, i.e. a special buckle hung on the clasp of the pluviale. The pectoral in a matching colour also draws attention. The Pope is seated on the impressive throne of Leo XIII in a mitre of Pius IX, depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary on the front and Jesus as the Good Shepherd on the back. In the photo, there is also the Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations, Mons. Guido Marini.