Italian designer Filippo Sorcinelli creates vestments for Pope Leo XIV

Italian designer Filippo Sorcinelli creates the ceremonial vestments for Pope Leo XIV during his historic visit to Argentina.

This trip marks the first time the current pontiff will visit the country, and the first visit by a head of the Catholic Church to Argentina in 39 years. Sorcinelli founded Atelier LAVS, a workshop that produces sacred garments. He began his career by making a custom garment for a friend who was becoming a priest.

After a local bishop noticed the work, Sorcinelli began creating pieces for the Holy See. He has designed liturgical ornaments for three consecutive popes, including Benedict XVI and Francis. His work involves coordinating directly with the Office for Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff to produce items like the chasuble and the miter. The designer incorporates his musical background into his creative process, having played the organ in various Italian cathedrals.

He also expanded his work into perfumery by founding a perfume house in 2013 inspired by Gothic architecture and the scents of the Vatican. Sorcinelli manages a team of 11 seamstresses to produce high-fashion religious garments that balance traditional solemnity with contemporary aesthetics. Sorcinelli identifies as a practicing Catholic and an openly gay man. He stated to Vogue that the Church should be welcoming and open to all aspects of society.

His designs for Pope Leo XIV include deep green fabrics and green agate stones to symbolize hope and the protection of creation. In 2014, his work also included dressing the exhumed remains of Pope Celestine V.