Papal Coronation - Definition and Overview

Historically, a Papal Coronation was a six-hour ceremony in which a new pope was crowned as head of the Roman Catholic Church (and before 1870, head of state of the Papal States). A three-tiered Triple Tiara or Papal Tiara was traditionally used in the ceremony.

The last pope to be crowned by this method was Pope Paul VI. His two successors to date, Pope John Paul I and Pope John Paul II opted for a less formal inauguration ceremony.

The future of the formal cornation ceremony is uncertain. Future Popes have the option of returning to the formal ceremony. But with the recent emphasis of a simpler and a less regal church government it remains to be seen what would happen.

Example Usage of Coronation