(January 22, 2010) Pope Benedict XVI observed an old tradition on Thursday, blessing
two lambs whose wool will be used to weave palliums. The annual blessing takes place
on the feast of St. Agnes, a martyr of early Christianity often symbolized by a lamb.
The palliums woven from the lambs' wool are bestowed on new metropolitan archbishops
on June 29, solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. The pallium is a white band embroidered
with six black crosses and worn over the shoulders, and symbolizes the apostolic authority
of a bishop and his special bond with the Pope, the head of the Catholic Church.
The two lambs, generally the gift of religious who serve the Basilica of Saint Agnes
Outside the Walls, are reared by the religious of the Roman convent of St. Lawrence
in Panisperna. After shearing, the wool will be used by the Sisters of the Benedictine
Convent of St. Cecilia in Trastevere to make the palliums.