Why Only These 7 Women in the World Are Allowed to Wear White When Meeting the Pope
ArchiveFirst published May 17, 2025. It may not reflect later developments.
In Vatican tradition, women typically wear modest black dresses and veils when meeting the Pope. However, a rare honor known as the “privilège du blanc” allows only seven Catholic royal women to wear white — a symbol of purity, peace, and virtue.
This privilege is granted to select queens and princesses from deeply Catholic royal families. The list includes Queen Letizia and Queen Sofia of Spain, Queen Mathilde and Queen Paola of Belgium, Grand Duchess María Teresa of Luxembourg, Princess Charlene of Monaco, and Princess Marina of Naples.
At Pope Francis’ funeral on April 26, 2025, even these royals wore black, following tradition. Women are expected to dress in long, modest black outfits with veils, avoiding bold jewelry or white attire.
Following Pope Francis’ death, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the new pope, taking the name Leo XIV. From the balcony at St. Peter’s Basilica, he greeted the world with: “Peace be with all of you.”
