Georgetown Law
Georgetown Law Library

Papal Election Research Guide

This guide lists and describes sources for researching the law of papal elections.

The Red Shoes

  • Contrary to popular belief, the red shoes sported by Pope Benedict XVI are not made byPrada. But even if the Pope doesn't wear Prada, that doesn't mean he shies away fromdesigner products completely.

  • There's actually a very long tradition of red papal footwear.

  • The shade of red can vary from pope to pope.

  • There is a guide, of sorts, for papal and cardinal fashion, extending from headwear all the way to footwear. Note that this instruction, given in 1968, actually discourages the use of red shoes.