The Vatican's Dress Code

Visitors to the Vatican who meet with Pope Benedict XVI must follow protocol when visiting the Supreme Pontiff. According to an article, the dress code in summary reads:

For men: black or dark suit, aka business attire, with a dark tie.

For women: black skirt or dress that reaches at least the knees, black top with mid- to long-sleeves, no pants, simple jewelry, dark closed-toe shoes, and a black hat or veil is optional.

Photo: Chris Helgren/Associated Press

Looks strikingly similar to what I have observed the Faithful wearing to the Traditional Latin Mass or to masses that emphasize reverence and respect for Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. If Michelle Obama can wear a veil and her husband and other world leaders wear a dark suit with a dark tie to see the Holy Father, shouldn't all Catholics be following this dress code when we visit our Heavenly Father, the King of Kings and High Priest, Our Lord Jesus Christ when we adore and worship Him at Mass each week?

In fact, St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, the Chief Church of Catholicism, has a dress code for everybody who visits the landmark (in red below):

Location:	Piazza San Pietro, Vatican City, Rome, Italy
Phone:	06-69881662 (for information on celebrations)
Hours:	Basilica (including the sacristy and treasury) Oct-Mar daily 9am-6pm; Apr-Sept daily 9am-7pm. Grottoes daily 8am-5pm. Dome Oct-Mar daily 8am-5pm; Apr-Sept 8am-6pm
Cost:	Basilica (including grottoes) is free. Stairs to the dome €4; elevator to the dome €5. Treasury 4 €.
Dress code:	No bare shoulders or knees (for both men and women).
Photography:	Permitted throughout (except in special necropolis tour)