The pallium is one of the oldest and most symbolic insignia of the Catholic Church: a narrow band of white wool representing pastoral authority and union with the successor of Peter. Only the Pope and metropolitan archbishops may wear it over their shoulders during liturgical celebrations in their dioceses and ecclesiastical provinces.

On January 21, in the Chapel of Urban VIII at the Apostolic Palace, Pope Leo XIV received two lambs that will be blessed in the Basilica of Saint Agnes, located on the Via Nomentana in Rome. The ceremony coincides with the liturgical memorial of Saint Agnes, virgin and martyr, whose feast day is celebrated today.

The wool from these lambs will be used to make the palliums that will be received by the new metropolitan archbishops appointed during the past year. Each pallium is woven from white wool and adorned with six black silk crosses, symbolizing purity and sacrifice.

The rite of blessing and bestowing the palliums takes place every year on June 29, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. On that date, the Holy Father personally presents them to the archbishops in St. Peter’s Basilica, thus strengthening the bond of communion with the See of Peter.

This ancient tradition commemorates the martyrdom of Saint Agnes, whose innocence and total devotion are reflected in the whiteness of the wool and in the spiritual significance of the canopy.