Archbishop Thomas to Receive the Pallium from Pope Francis in Rome

by Communications Office

Las Vegas, NV (June 26, 2023) – Archbishop George Leo Thomas, Ph.D., of the newly elevated Archdiocese of Las Vegas, will be in Rome to receive a special liturgical vestment from Pope Francis called the Pallium on June 29, in Rome, on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. Archbishop Thomas will be the only new Archbishop from the United States to receive the Pallium in 2023.

The Pallium is made of wool and worn on the shoulders by Archbishops, symbolizing their pastoral care, like sheep on a shepherd's shoulders. It also represents the unity of archbishops, their suffragans, and the successor of St. Peter in Rome. The Pallium features six black crosses (red crosses for the Pope), with the front, back, and left shoulder crosses having a nail or pin symbolizing Christ's crucifixion. On the feast of St. Agnes, Jan. 21, the Holy Father blesses two lambs whose wool is used in the making of the Pallium. On June 28, the eve of Ss. Peter and Paul, the Pallia are left overnight at the tomb of St. Peter beneath the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica before being presented to the new Archbishops. The Pallium is made of wool and worn on the shoulders by Archbishops, symbolizing their pastoral care, like sheep on a shepherd's shoulders. It also represents the unity of archbishops, their suffragans, and the successor of St. Peter in Rome.

The Pallium is made of wool and worn on the shoulders by Archbishops, symbolizing their pastoral care, like sheep on a shepherd's shoulders. It also represents the unity of archbishops, their suffragans, and the successor of St. Peter in Rome.

"I am deeply honored and humbled to receive the Pallium, recognizing the significance of this moment for the Archdiocese of Las Vegas," commented Archbishop Thomas. "While I am the one receiving this recognition with the Pallium, I am acutely aware that it is a testament to the tireless work and dedication of our priests, deacons, and the countless lay men and women who contribute to our faith community each day. Their unwavering commitment and hard work have played an integral role in the growth and transformation of our Archdiocese. It is their collective efforts that have allowed us to become an Archdiocese, and I am profoundly grateful for their faith and dedication. This recognition truly belongs to the entire faith community of Las Vegas, and it is a moment of pride and joy for all of us."

Accompanying Archbishop Thomas on this Pallium pilgrimage are over 40 individuals, including clergy, religious, and laypeople from the Archdiocese of Las Vegas. Their presence highlights the deep support and unity within the Archdiocese, further emphasizing the joy and significance of this momentous occasion.

For those unable to travel to Rome, Catholic News Media outlets will be broadcasting this special Mass. Details regarding the Papal Mass in Rome are as follows:

• For the local faithful not traveling to Rome, EWTN will broadcast the Mass Live on cable at 12:30 a.m. (PDT) and rebroadcast the Mass at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 29.

• The Mass will be streamed live on EWTN’s Facebook and YouTube Channels also at 12:30 a.m. (PDT) and rebroadcast the Mass at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 29.

• The live-streamed video from YouTube will be embedded on dioceseoflasvegas.org/archdiocese.

News updates and other materials will be posted to dioceseoflasvegas.org/archdiocese.

Those wishing to follow the pilgrimage on social media are invited to visit Facebook (www.facebook.com/LVArchdiocese) and look for #ArchVegas.

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