Until sad sixties motu proprio, apparently every prelate had these false half-sleeves, but now they are just reserved for popes.
Perhaps the origin was to be able to change with greater facility the arms when they became worn or marked with ink stains.
Just to the Popes?
ReplyDeleteBecause the bishops can no longer use?
Half-sleeves are gone for all cassocks as per Paul VI. Clerical tailors will still make such cassocks for the clergy when requested, however, since some continue to wear them.
ReplyDelete-Donnacha