Pope celebrates 'Pallium Ceremony'

July 01, 2013. (Romereports.com) Dressed in their red vestments, a total of 34 metropolitan archbishops, who were named over the last year,  received the so called 'pallium' garment in St. Peter's Basilica. As marked by tradition, the Pope imposed the white wool made vestment on each one of them. The Pope said it should remind them of their responsibility to spread the Gospel and to serve.

POPE FRANCIS
“It's not just a call for the Bishop of Rome, but for all of you. As Archbishops and Bishops you have the responsibility of allowing yourself to be consumed by the Gospel: To be close to everyone, using your energy for the service of others.”

The pallium ceremony is traditionally celebrated on the Feast day of St. Peter and St. Paul. It's a symbol of being in Communion with the Holy See. The Pope described the diversity of the Church as a mosaic designed by God. That, he said, should be remembered when there are differences or tensions.

POPE FRANCIS
“This should inspire us to work to overcome every single conflict that wounds the Body of the Church. United in our differences. This is the only Catholic road towards unity. This is the Catholic spirit, the Christian spirit.”

Among the 34 archbishops who received the pallium, was the new Argentinian archbishop of Buenos Aires, Mario Aurelio Poli, who took over the post held recently held by Pope Francis.

Also on the list was Joseph Cordileone from the American city of San Francisco in California. From Indianapolis, Archbishop Joseph William Tobin.

The Mexican archbishop of the industrial city of Monterrey, Rogelio Cabrera Lopez was also there.

The Pope helped out the  Archbishop of Sucre, Bolivia, Jesus Juarez Parraga.  The Pope stood up to  impose the pallium, so the archbishop wouldn't have to kneel.

POPE FRANCIS
“When we allow our thoughts, feelings or the logic of human power to prevail, instead of allowing ourselves be taught and guided by faith and by God, we become stumbling blocks. Faith in Christ is the light of our life as Christians and as ministers in the Church!”

During the celebration, a world renowned choir was invited to sing. The Choir of the Thomaskirche of Leipzig parish sang, which is where German composer, Sebastian Bach worked as a choirmaster in the 1700's. The group sang along with the Vatican's 'Sistine' Choir throughout the ceremony.