From the mighty mitre to more whimsical sombreros, Pope Benedict has long adorned himself with headgear worthy of His Holiness. Some towered tall above him. Others enveloped his head. All served to showcase his status as the pontiff of the Roman Catholic church.
Hanging Up His Hat: Pope Benedict’s History of Fanciful Headwear
Erk Wirginings / Corbis
Archbishop Joseph Ratzinger in Munich, Germany in 1982. Even as an archbishop, Joseph Ratzinger showed a strong appreciation for head-toppers. And when he was elected to the papacy in 2005, Pope Benedict XVI discovered a major mitre affinity, so much so that he eschewed the typical tiara on his papal coat of arms in favor of the dual-tipped hat. Here are some of the looks he wore best.