Explained: Why Catholic Bishops Wear Small Caps and Other Religious Attire

Catholic bishops are often recognized by the small round caps they wear, known as zucchetto, symbolizing religious authority and humility. These caps, which have evolved to represent rank within the Catholic hierarchy, are typically purple for bishops and red for cardinals. In addition to the zucchetto, bishops wear a cassock and a pectoral cross, and during major liturgical ceremonies, they don a mitre, symbolizing their spiritual authority.