Pope Benedict XVI appears to be getting into a different kind of Christmas spirit, donning a Santa-style hat for his weekly appearance at the Vatican.
At a chilly St Peter's Square, the Pope draped a red cloak over his shoulders and covered his head with a red velvet hat lined with white fur.
Vatican officials said the hat, known as a camauro, has been part of the papal wardrobe since the 12th century.
But it has not been worn in public since the death of John XXIII in 1963.
Riding the popemobile and waving to crowds, the 78-year-old pontiff smiled as he was cheered into the square.
Follower of fashion
Although missing Father Christmas' trademark white furry bobble, the pope's timely discovery of the long-forgotten camauro seemed as much a nod to the season as to the chilly weather.