China used by the Pope
This chinaware is not used by the Holy Father exclusively. It is equally used in the event of the frequent receptions (mostly official ones) held at the Vatican. Villeroy & Boch used the most precious porcellain for the occasion: Bone China, whose charcteristic features are the soft brilliancy and transludence of the material. A classic, simple design was chosen.

Villeroy & Boch have delivered chinaware on behalf of five Popes already: from Pius XII (1955), over John XXII (1959) and Paul (VI), to John Paul II.

Benedict’s coat of arms served as central element of décor for the special delivery containing 224 pieces.

Several articles and reports:

The coat of arms of Pope Benedict XVI
The chinaware of the Pope (75 KB) [German only]
The handing over of the Pope’s chinaware (241 KB) [German only]
Precious china for the Pope (193 KB) [German only]
Pope Benedict’s precious birthday present (186 KB) [German only]

Images:

Together with his wife, Wendelin von Boch, executive chairman of Villeroy & Boch, handed over the new papal china to Pope Benedict in a general audience at St Peter’s Square on 21 March 2007.

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