As popes frequently address large crowds in open-air settings, they—like everyone else—have to deal with capricious weather. Papal attire usually includes a skull cap (zucchetto) and small capes, either a white pellegrina or a red mozzetta—all very susceptible to gusts of wind. Over the years, photographers have captured many moments when the wind has swept away the Pope’s headgear or momentarily wrapped his mantle around his head.
The Pope vs. the Wind
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A gust of wind lifts the drape with the Vatican’s symbol as Pope Benedict XVI delivers his blessing during his weekly Angelus prayer, from his window overlooking St. Peter’s Square, at the Vatican on November 15, 2009. #
Pier Paolo Cito / AP -
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Pope Benedict XVI is surprised by a gust of wind as he addresses some 2,000 student priests at the Church of St. Pantaleon in Cologne, Germany, on August 19, 2005. #
Tony Gentile / AFP / Getty -
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Pope Benedict XVI walks beside German President Horst Koehler (not pictured) as heavy wind blows his cape into his face after his arrival at Cologne’s airport on August 18, 2005. #
Kai Pfaffenbach / Reuters -
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