Inauguration: Pope to President

Sermon on the Mount    (by Carl Bloch)

Not all of Trump’s well-wishers wear red hats.  Those are reserved for crowds and Cardinals. 

Pope Francis’ zucchetto (skullcap) is usually white. If it looks like a yarmulke, this is no accident.  It is said to represent an ancient link between Judaism and Christianity.

The white cap is a perfect match for the pontiff’s cassock.  Pius V, who was pope from 1566 to 1572, “was a member of the Dominican order, which traditionally wore white robes.”  He therefore began the white-cassock tradition that popes still follow.

When Donald Trump became America’s 45^th president, he received a congratulatory letter from Pope Francis.  The Pope sent “cordial good wishes,” plus prayers for “wisdom and strength.” 

Francis then emphasized “concern for the poor, the outcast and those in need who, like Lazarus, stand before our door.”  The question on many minds is this: When these huddled masses knock, will the door be opened?

Resources

http://www.nola.com/religion/index.ssf/2015/09/pope_francis_hat_wardrobe_symb.html

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/pope-francis-has-an-inauguration-day-message-for-president-donald-trump/ar-AAm4k9V?OCID=ansmsnnews11