PALLIUM or PALL, an ecclesiastical vestment in the Ro man Catholic Church, originally peculiar to the pope, but for many centuries past bestowed by him on all metropolitans, pri mates and archbishops as a symbol of the jurisdiction delegated to them by the Holy See. The pallium, in its present form, is a narrow band, "three fingers broad," woven of white lamb's wool, with a loop in the centre resting on the shoulders over the chasuble, and two dependent lappets, before and behind; so that when seen from front or back the ornament resembles the letter Y. It is decorated with six purple crosses, one on each tail and four on the loop, is doubled on the left shoulder, and is garnished, back and front, with three jewelled gold pins. The two latter charac teristics seem to be survivals of the time when the Roman pallium was a simple scarf doubled and pinned on the left shoulder.
The papal pallia were at one time made of white linen (see Johannes 'Diaconus, Vita S. Gregorii AI. lib. IV. cap. 8, pallium eius bysso candente contextum). The right to wear the pallium seems, in the first instance, to have been conceded by the popes merely as a mark of honour. The first recorded example of the bestowal of the pallium by the popes is the grant of Pope Sym machus in 513 to Caesarius of Arles, as papal vicar. Every arch bishop must apply for it, personally or by deputy, within three months after his consecration, and it is buried with him at his death (see ARCHBISHOP). Though the pallium is thus a vestment distinctive of bishops having metropolitan jurisdiction, it may only be worn by them within their jurisdiction, on certain solemn occasions. The pope alone has the right to wear everywhere and
at all times a vestment symbolizing the fullness of ecclesiastical power.