What about the head covering during prayer?

[ana_beatriz]

Watching the beginning of the conclave today made me wonder. I know the origin of the zuchetto (?), but I wonder why it is worn during prayer. Doesn’t the book of Matthew tell men to take of any headcovering to show respect and to honor and give glory to God? Also what is the Church’s present opinion on women’s headcover during prayer?
Ana

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

The zuchetto or skull cap, dates back to medieval times and was worn to cover the tonsure for warmth. The tonsure was the part of the cleric’s head that had been shaven. All clerics may wear one. For priests it is black; for bishops, violet and for cardinals, red. The pope wears a white one that matches his cassock.

It is never worn before the exposed Blessed Sacrament. So from the consecration until after Communion, even the pope bares his head.

As for a woman covering her head in church; it is allowed, but not required.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.