I'm very glad the Vatican has given us an explanation of the vestments and symbols the Holy Father uses,
Pope’s ancient ornaments and vestments underscore continuity in the liturgy
Msgr. Guido Marini Rome, Jun 26, 2008 / 08:03 pm (CNA).- The Vatican’s Master of Papal Liturgical Ceremonies, Msgr. Guido Marini explained that the distinct ancient liturgical ornaments and vestments being used by Pope Benedict XVI underscore “the continuity of the current liturgical celebration with that which has characterized the life of the Church in the past. The hermeneutic of continuity is always an exact criterion for reading the course of the Church in time. This also applies to the liturgy.”