Yes, the Pope Has a Dress Code Even Presidents and Royals Must Follow

Suppose you're meeting the Pope. What do you wear? It's a critical question governed by millennia of tradition. While the Vatican has recently loosened its rules about casual clothing, many members of the royal family still opt for traditional lace outfits.

At one time, what you wore depended both on your own faith and on the forum of your visit. For instance, while a black lace veil was considered traditional for most during a visit to the Vatican, Catholic queens wore white lace. There's only seven women in the world currently given "the privilege of the white" while meeting the Pope: the seven current Catholic queens and princesses. Those royals are Spain's Queen Sofia and Queen Letizia, Belgium's Queen Paola and Queen Mathilde, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, Princess Marina of Naples and Princess Charlene of Monaco.

As expectations started to waiver, some simply chose to veto the veil and sport an all-black outfit. And when meeting the Pope at the White House or the airport—or pretty much any other place in the world—black (or white) has never been necessary.

Here is a visual history of all the presidents and royals who have dressed for their visit with the pontif.

For Princess Charlene's third meeting with the Pope in July 2022, she forwent the traditional white lace and instead chose a black lace outfit.

The President and the First Lady met with Pope Francis for talks on climate change and COVID in October 2021.

Dr. Biden wore the traditional black lace veil for their meeting.

The Dutch royals met with Pope Francis at the Vatican in November 2018.

In June 2017, the Dutch monarchs met with Pope Francis.

Queen Máxima wore traditional black lace; here, she laughs during a meeting at the Apostolic Palace.

At the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, 2017, wearing a traditional black lace veil.

Meeting with Pope Francis in customary Vatican apparel.

Visiting the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, 2017.

Shaking Pope Francis's hand at the Vatican, 2016.

The Catholic royal met Pope Francis in Vatican City in 2016.

With Pope Francis at the Vatican, 2015.

Waving to the crowd with Pope Francis from the White House, 2015.

Meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican, 2015.

Meeting Pope Francis at the Vatican, 2015.

Attending the Mass at the Vatican, 2014.

With Pope Francis at the Vatican, 2013.

With Pope Benedict XVI, 2009.

Meets Pope Benedict XVI, 2009.

With Pope Benedict XVI, 2009. On the duo's next visit in 2017, Prince Charles gave the Pope a thoughtful gift.

Accompanying George W. Bush on his visit with Pope Benedict XVI, 2007.

With Pope John Paul II at the Vatican, 2004.

With Pope John Paul II at Newark, New Jersey, 1995.

With Pope John Paul II at the Vatican, 1991.

Meeting Pope John Paul II at the Vatican, 1982.

With Pope John Paul II at the White House, 1979.

With Pope John Paul II at the Vatican, 1985.

At the Vatican, 1980.

With Pope Paul VI at the Vatican, 1966.

Meeting the Pope at the Vatican, 1959.