Umbraculum

The umbraculum (Italian: ombrellone, "big umbrella",[1] in basilicas also conopaeum[2]) is a historic piece of the papal regalia and insignia, once used on a daily basis to provide shade for the pope (Galbreath, 27).

Also known as the pavilion, in modern usage the umbraculum is a symbol of the Catholic Church and the authority of the pope over it.

A fresco cycle from 1248 in the oratory of San Silvestro in the Roman church of Santi Quattro Coronati shows that the umbraculum was already in use as a papal insignia at public events in the traditional colours of gold and red.

The umbraculum is part of the coat of arms of the Holy See sede vacante, i.e., between the reigns of two popes.

The umbraculum is one of the symbols bestowed by the pope when he elevates a church to the rank of a minor basilica; the other being the tintinnabulum or bell.