The Pope's Tiara Secret: Why Three Crowns Worn on the Headdress of the Pontiffs
The Pope's Tiara Secret: Why Three Crowns Worn on the Headdress of the Pontiffs

Video: The Pope's Tiara Secret: Why Three Crowns Worn on the Headdress of the Pontiffs

Video: The Pope's Tiara Secret: Why Three Crowns Worn on the Headdress of the Pontiffs
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Why on the headdress of the pontiffs was not one, but three crowns?
Why on the headdress of the pontiffs was not one, but three crowns?

For many centuries, great power has been concentrated in the hands of the Catholic Church. The Pope was proclaimed the viceroy of God, therefore, on behalf of the Almighty, he could do any business. As you know, power corrupts everyone, therefore, when the wealth of the Vatican grew, the vestments of the pontiffs became more luxurious. The papal tiara deserves special attention. This headdress wore not one, but three crowns.

Fragment of a panel at the Museum of Ancient Art in Lisbon
Fragment of a panel at the Museum of Ancient Art in Lisbon

The papal tiara is the headdress of the head of the Catholic Church. She symbolizes the spiritual and temporal power of the Pope. It is believed that the tiara appeared on the head of the pontiff, starting from the XIII-XIV centuries. At first, it looked like a cone-shaped hat, covered with expensive fabric and with a gold crown, but then they began to decorate it with precious stones.

During the reign of Pope Boniface VIII, the power of the Catholic Church increased significantly. It is believed that it was then that another crown appeared on the pontiff's tiara.

The tiara, the triple crown, is a sign of papal dominion
The tiara, the triple crown, is a sign of papal dominion

The appearance of the third crown on the tiara was not long in coming. It was just necessary to bring everything under the Christian ideology. If the first two crowns were dedicated to the Father and the Son, then it is natural that the Holy Spirit should not be "deprived" either.

Pope in tiara
Pope in tiara

In subsequent centuries, the tiara with three crowns remained an unshakable symbol of the power of the pontiffs, only its design changed. Moreover, kings, influential aristocrats, generals brought various tiaras to the popes of Rome, which surpassed one another in wealth. Each new pontiff chose a tiara for himself, while the rest remained in the treasury.

Paul VI and Cardinal Alfredo Ottaviani (right) during the coronation ceremony (1963)
Paul VI and Cardinal Alfredo Ottaviani (right) during the coronation ceremony (1963)

In 1963, Paul VI took the papal throne. At the same time, the Second Vatican Council was held, the purpose of which was to adopt reforms to simplify rituals. When the coronation ceremony came and a huge tiara was hoisted on the new Pope, it was decided that this heraldic item was out of date. Paul VI no longer wore this headdress. He sold the tiara to the New York Archdiocese, and the proceeds went to charity.

The tremendous power that for centuries was concentrated in the hands of the pontiffs pushed them to do not only good deeds. In the Vatican's 2,000-year history, not all pages were white. Among those people who were supposed to serve as an example for millions were usurpers, debauchers, indulgence merchants and warmongers.

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