Red shoe rivalry: How papal footwear signalled deep divide between Pope Benedict and Pope Francis

Pope Benedict XVI’s signature red shoes and Pope Francis’ preference for plain white footwear have become unlikely symbols of the differing paths taken by the two pontiffs.

Where Benedict leaned into tradition and visual grandeur with fur-lined vestments, gem-encrusted rings, and pectoral crosses, Francis opted for simplicity and humility—choices that reflect deeper divides within the modern Catholic Church. With both popes now deceased, their contrasting legacies continue to shape debates over the Church’s future direction.

Pope Benedict often used clothing as a statement of continuity. His red shoe, historically worn by popes as a sign of martyrdom and ecclesiastical authority reflected his vision of a Church grounded in heritage and doctrine, especially at a time when global faith was facing deep scrutiny over scandal and secularisation.

Photo: Corbis

In contrast, Pope Francis, elected in 2013, immediately shifted the Church’s visual tone. Rejecting opulence, he maintained his simple white cassock and shoes, setting aside many of the traditional trappings.

Photo: Vatican Pool

This choice aligned with his broader mission: a more inclusive and humble Catholicism. Francis focused on outreach to the poor, addressing climate change, and revising pastoral attitudes on issues like divorce and LGBTQ+ inclusion.

Despite efforts to present a united front, tensions surfaced publicly, notably when Benedict published a 2019 letter attributing the clerical abuse crisis to societal changes rather than institutional failures. Francis had already placed blame squarely on systemic power imbalances within the Church.

Following Benedict’s resignation in 2013—the first by a pope in nearly 600 years—and his death in 2022, Pope Francis carried on the reforms. His passing, announced Monday, marks the end of an era shaped by their parallel influences.