Cappello romano

saturni; because its appearance is reminiscent of the ringed planet Saturn) is a clerical hat with a wide, circular brim and a rounded crown worn outdoors in some countries by Catholic clergy, when dressed in a cassock.

Unlike many other articles of clerical clothing, the cappello romano serves no ceremonial purpose, being primarily a practical item.

Since the general abandonment of the cassock as street dress[citation needed], it is uncommon even in Rome today.

The cappello romano is a round, broad-brimmed, low-crowned hat made of either beaver fur, felt or straw and lined in white silk.

There are some, mostly minor, differences in the designs of cappelli, depending on the rank of the wearer:

Catholic priest wearing a black cappello romano
Pope Benedict XVI wearing the red papal cappello romano during an open-air Mass in 2007.