Catholic.id

The ChurchEssentials

Jesus was humble, so why does the pope act like a king?

The Church

The short answer

The pope is Christ's chief ambassador. As an ambassador wears formal dress and receives honors meant for the country he represents, the pope's formal attire and the honors given him are for his office and for Jesus, not for him personally.

Should an ambassador representing his country wear a T-shirt and jeans or formal attire? And when his host country honors him at official ceremonies, is the honor for him personally or for the country he represents?

The pope is the chief ambassador of Christ and his heavenly kingdom. Formal attire honors the dignity of his office and of the Person he represents. The marks of honor given the pope are not for him but for Jesus, whom he represents.