The pallium is a liturgical vestment worn over the chasuble by the pope and archbishops in the Roman Catholic Church. It is bestowed by the pope on archbishops having metropolitan jurisdiction as a symbol of their unity with the Apostolic See, as well as the Good Shepherd carrying on his shoulder the the flock entrusted to his ministry. It is made of a circular strip of white lamb’s wool about two inches wide and is placed over the shoulders. Two vertical bands, extending from the circular strip in the front and back, give the pallium a Y-shaped appearance. Six crosses, one each on the chest and back and on each shoulder and band, adorn the vestment.

The use of the pallium by Church leaders developed from the secular tradition of emperors and other high officials wearing a special scarf as a badge of office. The pallium was worn by many bishops in the 4th and 5th centuries, and in the 6th century the pope was conferring it as a symbol of distinction. He can wear it only within his own ecclesiastical province; only the pope can wear it anywhere.