Since the beginning of his pontificate in 2013, Pope Francis marked a profound change in the Catholic Church. With simple yet symbolic gestures, the first Latin American Pope conveyed a clear message of closeness to the poorest and most humble.
One of the most discreet yet revealing symbols of that austere style was his shoes. Instead of the traditional red footwear that distinguished the pontiffs, Francis chose modest black shoes.
The tradition of red in papal footwear
For centuries, popes wore red shoes as part of their official attire. This color, far from being a superficial choice, represented the blood of Christian martyrs and evoked sacrifice,
Red also symbolized the connection with the Holy Spirit. The shoes, handcrafted, were part of the protocol that reflected the continuity of Vatican traditions.
However, Francis broke with this custom in a gesture that, although silent, had profound significance both inside and outside the Church.
