The head covering frequently observed on the Pope is not a kippah. A kippah, also known as a yarmulke, is a brimless skullcap worn by Jewish men to fulfill the customary requirement that their head be covered. While the Pope does wear head coverings, they are of distinctly different styles and significance.
The headwear most commonly associated with the Pope is the zucchetto. This is a small, hemispherical skullcap worn by clergy of the Roman Catholic Church. Its color denotes the wearer’s rank: the Pope’s zucchetto is white, cardinals wear scarlet, and bishops wear purple. This signifies their hierarchical position within the Church. There’s also the mitre, a tall headdress adorned with ornamentation and worn during solemn occasions, symbolizing the Pope’s authority and role as a spiritual leader.
