{{distinguish|Cardinal cloak}} {{short description|Cape of Catholic priests}} [[Image:Fulton J. Sheen NYWTS.jpg|thumb|Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen wearing the ferraiolo, 1952.]] [[File:Cardinal Théodore Adrien Sarr 2.JPG|thumb|Cardinal Sarr of Dakar wearing his ferraiolo of watered silk]] The '''ferraiolo''' (also '''ferraiuolo''', '''ferraiolone''') is a type of cape traditionally worn by clergy in the Catholic Church on formal, non-liturgical occasions.<ref name="Noonan"/> It can be worn over the shoulders, or behind them, extends in length to the ankles, is tied in a bow by narrow strips of cloth at the front, and does not have any 'trim' or piping on it.

==History== The ferraiolo originated as a knee-length item of clothing for Roman nobility. It became a church garment in the 15th century when colours were associated with ranks in the church hierarchy.<ref name="Noonan"/>

==Colour and material== The colour of the ferraiolo is determined by the rank of the cleric, being black for secular priests, violet for protonotaries apostolic and bishops, and scarlet for cardinals.<ref>Ceremonial of Bishops, ''Cæremoniale Episcoporum.'' Congregation for Divine Worship, 14 Sep 1984. 1205.</ref>

Before 1969, members of religious orders could use a ferraiolo that matched the color of their habit. The colors also changed during sede vacante.<ref name="Noonan"/>

Cardinals, and patriarchs who are not cardinals, use a ferraiolo of watered silk. Archbishops, bishops and protonotaries may use silk but not watered silk, unless specifically permitted.<ref name="Noonan"/> Lesser prelates may use faille but should use wool and wear the ferraiolo behind the shoulders.<ref name="Noonan"/>

[[File:Celestino Migliore.jpg|thumb|Archbishop Celestino Migliore, Apostolic Nuncio to Poland, wearing his purple ferraiolo]]

==Use== Pope Paul VI encouraged wearing the ferraiolo at formal, non-liturgical occasions.<ref name="Noonan"/>

The Pope may use a cape but does not wear a ferraiolo.<ref name="Noonan">James-Charles Noonan Jr. (1996). ''The Church Visible''. Viking. p.312-314. https://archive.org/details/churchvisiblecer0000noon</ref>

==References== {{Commons}} * John Abel Nainfa, SS: ''Costume of Prelates of the Catholic Church: According to Roman Etiquette'', Revised Edition (Baltimore, Maryland, USA: John Murphy Company, 1926).

==Notes== <references/>

{{Clothing}}

Category:Catholic clerical clothing Category:Robes and cloaks