Albanese's Akubra Hat Creates a Stir at Papal Inauguration

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's Akubra hat at the Pope's inauguration mass in Rome has sparked a debate about protocol. The event, held on May 18th, 2025, saw Albanese seated among other dignitaries. The video shows him wearing a distinctive Australian Akubra hat, which some consider inappropriate for such a formal religious ceremony. Dr Claudio Betti, Director at the Australian Catholic University, commented, "I would say absolutely not. But of course, the sun was very bad." Betti's statement highlights the conflicting factors: adherence to tradition versus the intense Roman heat. The incident generated online discussion about cultural norms and religious practices. The video concludes with Betti stating that the protocol "had to be changed a little bit because the sun was really hot." This suggests a pragmatic approach to the situation, balancing tradition with practical considerations.