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A sketch (pencil, pen and ink) of the proposed arms of an abdicated pope (Benedict XVI).
A sketch (pencil, pen and ink) of the proposed arms of an abdicated pope (Benedict XVI).
pencil, pen and ink, digital manipulation
2021

Before his passing, Cardinal Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo, the man behind Pope Benedict XVI's arms, had proposed to the recently abdicated pontiff a change to his coat of arms, now that of a "Pope Emeritus." Benedict did not proceed with the proposal and it was left hanging, in my understanding. The proposal included versions (both shown) that would augment the existing arms, one with a chief with the Keys of St. Peter in the red field (something I liked), and a return of a galero with five rows of tassels, but all white (for the pope) - something we have not seen before in ecclesiastical heraldry (I liked that too); the proposal also included a return of a motto (popes don't have one, despite Francis's arms sporting it at the moment of his accession); and reintroduction of archiepiscopal cross. I made a some changes to the late Cardinal's proposals, such as a change to the papal triple cross.