Vogue crowns Pope Leo XIV among 2025’s best-dressed, praising his elegant liturgical vestments that contrast with predecessor Francis’s simplicity.
Newsroom (15/12/2025 Gaudium Press ) In an institution where symbolism intertwines deeply with tradition, the attire of the popes has long served as a visual testament to the enduring legacy of the Catholic Church. Meticulously crafted down to the smallest detail, papal aesthetics have evolved across centuries while retaining profound meaning, captivating observers worldwide with their blend of authority, spirituality, and artistry.
This timeless allure was reaffirmed in Vogue magazine’s annual ranking of the 55 best-dressed and “extremely elegant” individuals of 2025. The American publication, founded in 1892 and renowned as a global authority on fashion and beauty, included Pope Leo XIV on its coveted list—a distinction that underscores the pontiff’s departure from the understated style of his immediate predecessor.
Vogue specifically lauded Leo XIV for breaking “with the humble tastes of his predecessor,” Pope Francis, while upholding “the papal legacy of impeccably made liturgical vestments.” The magazine singled out what it deemed the “best outfit of 2025”: the new pope’s inaugural appearance on May 8 from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. On that historic occasion, Leo XIV donned a red satin mozzetta paired with a wine-colored stole embroidered in gold, complemented by a pectoral cross suspended from a golden silk cord.
The mozzetta, an elbow-length cape that drapes over the shoulders and is worn atop the rochet, traditionally signifies papal authority. Complementing this ensemble, though referenced in broader liturgical contexts, is the chasuble—an outer vestment placed over the alb and stole, its color varying with the seasons of the liturgical year. Historically, this garment evokes the “yoke of Christ,” embodying a powerful symbol of charity.
By contrast, Pope Francis made a deliberate choice upon his 2013 election to forgo such ornate items, embracing a gesture of simplicity that defined his pontificate. That approach earned him recognition from Esquire magazine, which included him among its “best-dressed men” for his sobriety and restraint.
Pope Leo XIV now shares Vogue’s 2025 honors alongside a diverse array of global icons, including athletes, actors, singers, politicians, and models. Notable contemporaries on the list include Spanish singer Rosalía, Barbadian superstar Rihanna, Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny, American actress Jennifer Lawrence, and tennis legend Venus Williams.
Behind this resurgence of papal splendor lies a cadre of skilled artisans. Italian designer Filippo Sorcinelli has emerged as a prominent figure in crafting vestments for recent popes, with his involvement dating back to the era of Benedict XVI. Complementing these efforts is the historic Gammarelli tailoring house, a venerable establishment situated near the Pantheon in Rome’s historic center, long entrusted with the creation of papal liturgical garments.
Through such meticulous craftsmanship and deliberate choices, the aesthetic of Pope Leo XIV not only honors centuries-old traditions but also reasserts the visual potency of papal attire in the modern era, bridging faith, history, and contemporary style.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from ACI Prensa
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