Pope Leo XIV Blesses Lambs Continuing a Centuries-Old Tradition on the Feast Day of Saint Agnes - VIDEO


Pope Leo XIV Honors Ancient Tradition on the Feast of St. Agnes

In a continuation of a centuries-old Roman custom, Pope Leo XIV was presented with two lambs on Wednesday, January 21, marking the Memorial of St. Agnes. The ceremony took place in the Vatican’s Urban VIII Chapel, signaling the start of a process that links the early Church martyrs to modern-day Church leadership.



From Martyrdom to the Pallium

The tradition is deeply rooted in the story of St. Agnes, a 4th-century Roman martyr. According to legend, Agnes appeared to her parents after her death, standing among virgins and cradling a white lamb.

Today, these lambs serve a practical and symbolic purpose:

  • The Blessing: The animals are blessed at the Basilica of St. Agnes Outside the Walls, the site of the saint’s burial.

  • The Wool: After the ceremony, the lambs are cared for and sheared by the Benedictine nuns of St. Cecilia in Trastevere.

  • The Pallium: This wool is woven into the pallium—a white woolen circular band adorned with six black crosses.

A Symbol of Authority and Unity

The pallium is a significant liturgical vestment worn by the Pope and Metropolitan Archbishops. It represents both the jurisdiction of the archbishop and their union with the Holy See.

The Pope traditionally bestows these newly made pallia upon the archbishops on June 29, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul.

Evolution of a 6th-Century Rite

While the core of the tradition remains, it has evolved over time:

  • Origins: Records of blessing lambs on this feast day date back to the 6th century.

  • Historical "Rent": In the past, the lambs were presented by the monks of St. Agnes to the Basilica of St. John Lateran as a form of symbolic rent.

  • Modern Changes: While the Trappist monks of the Abbey of the Three Fountains previously raised the sheep, the sourcing has shifted in recent years. However, the Benedictine sisters continue their vital role in shearing the lambs during Holy Week and weaving the sacred vestments.

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