Shoes of Pope Pius IX

The shoes I wore are not merely rare. They are unique.
They once belonged to a cardinal destined to become pope: Giovanni Maria Mastai Ferretti, later known as Pope Pius IX, whose pontificate remains the longest in modern history. Crafted from deep burgundy velvet, with hand-tied brown laces and a satin lining that catches the light with quiet grace, these shoes carry the weight of eclesiastical tradition and sacred elegance.
I wore them beneath my flawless black tuxedo at a State reception hosted by a royal family. The moment I entered the room, silence gave way to attention. Diplomats, dignitaries, members of the court-every eye was drawn to them. These were not just shoes; they were a statement, a gesture of memory, an homage to heritage.
Each step was a declaration. These shoes had once walked the corridors of the Vatican, witnessed solemn liturgies, and now, at my feet, they crossed gilded halls and ceremonial carpets. Few in the world can say they've worn the shoes of a pope. I can. And I did-with grace and intention.
Doktor Lazarus Archaeologist, Historian, Collector, Independent Curator