Did Pope Benedict XVI Really Wear Prada Loafers?

During his papacy, rumors circulated that the late pontiff’s red slippers were custom-made by the Italian luxury house— earning him the nickname “the Prada Pope.”

by Paulina Singh

Published on May 8, 2025

For centuries, the pope’s wardrobe has followed a consistent set of garments: a white cassock, a zucchetto (skull cap) for less formal duties, and a mitre with chasuble during high mass. Footwear, too, holds symbolic importance in the papal regalia. Historically, red shoes were customary for pontiffs up until Pope Francis, who chose to break with tradition by opting for an understated, plain black pair, made by his longtime friend and Argentinian shoemaker Carlos Samaria.

Following his recent death, renewed attention has been brought to his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI's signature red papal slippers. Where Pope John Paul II wore burgundy lace-up shoes, Benedict was associated with his bright red, classic Italian loafers, defined by their rounded toe and slip-on design. In the years that followed, his vibrant choice of footwear soon became one of the most recognizable elements of his papal image.

Shortly after Benedict’s election in 2005, speculation emerged that his red loafers were custom-made by Italian luxury label Prada. The claim sparked widespread criticism, given that the choice of designer footwear was a departure from the clergy’s vow of poverty.

Still, the narrative of Benedict as the “Prada Pope” remained pervasive in the public’s consciousness. In fact, Esquire even named him “Accessorizer of the Year” for their annual “Best Dressed Men” list in 2007—an unusual honor for a religious figure, as many have criticized.

So, Did Pope Benedict XVI Actually Wear Prada Loafers?

No, Pope Benedict XVI’s red shoes were not made by the luxury fashion brand.

In fact, the Vatican swiftly refuted the unfounded rumors shortly after they circulated. “The pope is not dressed by Prada but by Christ,” read a statement issued through its official newspaper, denouncing the media headlines that seemed to "trivialize" what it represented in the Catholic faith.

However, even years after Benedict’s resignation in 2013, the image of him in red Prada loafers remained a lasting part of his public identity—often used to contrast his “extravagance” to that of his successor, Pope Francis’ outward simplicity.

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PHOTOS: X/JACQUEMUSX, SACHINETTIYIL

The loafers, as it turns out, were made by Antonio Arellano, a Peruvian cobbler based in Rome. Long before his papacy, even during his time as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the late pontiff had been a loyal customer at Antonio’s small shop near St. Peter’s Square.

Through the years, Antonio Arellano’s clientele included many in the clergy— cardinals, bishops, and priests. In a 2013 interview with the Catholic News Agency, he shared a fond memory of the church leader: “When we got there to greet him, the pope recognized me, smiled, and said, ‘Here is my shoemaker.’”

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Antonio Arellano meets with Pope Benedict XVI. PHOTO: BENOIT ET MOI.

Why do popes wear red footwear?

For generations, popes wore red shoes as a religious symbol.

In Catholic tradition, the color red represents the blood of martyrs and Christ’s Passion. It also signifies divine love, especially during Pentecost. The shoes serve as a visual reminder of the pope’s role as a servant, one who follows in the footsteps of Jesus.

Pope Benedict XVI walking in his red loafers

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PHOTO: CATHOLIC NEWS AGENCY.

Pau is Preview’s go-to fashion girl. On most days, you’ll find her with headphones on, coffee in hand, and likely dressed in an oversized blazer and floor-grazing jeans.