Q. 1. What is the purpose of the douillette in the Catholic Church?

A. 1. The douillette (also known as the greca or cappotto) is a long, loose-fitting, double-breasted cloak worn over the cassock by all clerics. It is white for the Pope, black for all other clerics. The douillette came into the Roman Church through France. It was originally employed in the East, where it was known as the greca. It was adapted from civil wear for the clergy in 1812, and has changed little since.

The douillette came to be called a "greca," the Italian word for "Greek," as it reminded Roman clergy of the long black overcoat worn by Eastern priests.