The Papal Shoes: A Red Statement

With Pope Benedict’s recent passing, many of us are reflecting on what a monument he was for our faith in this time. He wrote 66 books, three encyclicals, and four apostoloic exhortations. Oh… AND was Pope. Talk about productivity!

Now, I’m not a theologian, so I won’t speak on that, but what I DO want to mention is what may seem like an insignificant detail, but says a lot!

Did you ever notice Pope Benendict’s red shoes? 

And doesn’t it beg the question - why red?!

Red shoes were significant to symbolize walking in the footsteps of the blood of martyrs. Plus a correlation to Christ during his crucifixion, when he was bloodied on His walk to Calvary.

This simple but deliberate choice in foot wear speaks for a lot of things that we do in and for our Catholic faith. What may seem ‘minor’ or ‘superfluous’ has a meaning that points to something major: a nugget to deepen us into our faith. 

I visited the cobbler and shop in Rome where Benedict would get his loafers. It was striking because it really is humble, small shoe shop. It was located just outside the Vatican. Especially when chatter around the shoes seemed so grandiose and over the top, of course, in reality it was anything but that. A nice little cobbler, close to home was choice not just of Pope Benenict XVI, but there were also pictures of Bl. Pope John Paul II and Cardinal Burke!

Now, this is a fashion-styling blog so let’s make the transition of all transitions (insert laugh emoji).

I recently brought my own kitten heel red loafers to the cobbler and was SO happy I did. Now, you may have to shop around for pricing - but it will be worth it in the end. 

I have a few red loafers, for different occasions, from fancy to super casual. They are great additions to a Look and will make a simple, monochromatic outfit POP!

It’s the perfect shoe to have in your closet when you have to put together a more staid (or ‘boring’) outfit and wanta little zip to jazz it up. It may even have a psychological effect, and light a little extra fire into your step!

Needless to say, these are fabulous additions to your wardrobe, and here are a few to shop:

Question: Let’s help each other out - write down your cobbler of choice and the city you live!