Serious question about the Papacy?

Question

At what given point in history did the Pope begin to live in such lavish surroundings, and wear the rich robes and such?

Thanks Max Marie!

Nope - I don't hate the Pope. Isn't this the place to ask questions about something you're curious about. I am curious about the Roman Catholic Church.

Answer 1

After the French revolution when the New government (in conspiracy) with other global monarchs re-instated the Pope as Supreme Church head, with the assistance of the Jacobians.

Answer 2

It all started with Peter.

Peter being the first pope.

You see, Catholicism was started by the apostles. It is the first Christian church. Peter didn't start out as a Christian. He started out as a Jew.

The Hebrew priests wore special robes to signify who they were. They were different from the common people. Early christian vestments were more simple, unadorned. They had to signify their difference from the other Hebrews.

Parts of priestly vestments, albs, cinctures, stoles, chausibles, copes, surplices, dalmatics - all of these things have religious meaning.

A priest - and the pope is a priest - says a special prayer when putting on each item.

Some of these items vary in color to signify the changes in our liturgical calendar.

Certain items can help a Christian discern the types of clergy. For instance you can recognize a bishop by his scull cap and cassock. More and more clergy are returning to use of the cassock, but a bishop's cassock has red buttons, while your basic priest's cassock has black.

Bishops are recognized by the mitre and crossier. The mitre is the pointy hat.

The pope's mitre is taller. He and some bishops wear a pallium which is the symbol of a metropolitan - that is part of the eastern church. Since the pope is head of both eastern and western Catholics.

As far as the pope living in lavish surroundings, did you know while the Vatican is huge, the pope's apartment is fairly small? Yes, he sleeps in a twin bed in the corner. He's got a desk for writing and a small chapel to pray.

He has taken a vow of poverty and owns very little.

Pope John Paul II didn't want to wear the papal ring. Because he felt it was "too much." However, the cardinals kept at him about it.

Most of the Vatican is offices. The library, science offices, meeting offices, even an observatory to see the stars. It isn't the pope's house. It's God's.

Answer 3

First of all, there is nothing wrong with the Pope wearing rich robes and ceremonial garments. He is an important leader and the Vicar of Christ's Church.

I bet you don't have a problem with kings and queens wearing beautiful robes and living in castles. It is a traditional symbol of the dignity of their office, and the same respect has always been afforded to the Pope.

Secondly, this tradition began very early on, as Catholics wanted to honor and respect their leaders.

Finally, just because the Pope has been honored in such a way, does not mean Catholics ignore the poor and downtrodden. Just the opposite - from the beginning of the Church we have always cared for the poor and needy in our midst. Some of the largest charities in the world are Catholic. Almost every town in America has a Catholic hospital, school, charity office, or other organization that helps others.

Answer 4

From the beginning. The Catholic church was a sham that the Romans invented when Constantine put out the decree all Romans must become a Christian. Anything Rome made was sure to be full of corruption and politics.

Answer 5

no longer quite, his closest buddy Benito Mussolini made the Vatican a rustic. Hitler might exchange his faith to in spite of grow to be handy for the time, different actual Nazi officials ordered the Waffen SS to smash all church homes in sight although

Answer 6

Since day one. Originally they were on almost equal footing with Kings.

Answer 7

right from the begining of the cult...around 300 AD.