Papal regalia and insignia authority. Modern popes bear the Papal ferula, a staff topped by a crucifix, rather than a crozier, a bent pastoral staff styled after a shepherd's crook. The use of the papal ferula is an ancient custom, established before the thirteenth century, though some popes since that time, notably Pope Leo XIII, have used a crozier-like staff. The use of other items of papal regalia has been discontinued, though they have not been abolished. The "Sedia gestatoria", a portable throne or armchair carried by twelve footmen ("palafrenieri") in red uniforms was accompanied by two attendants bearing the "flabella", large ceremonial fans
Religion in Mali Religion in Mali Mali is an Islamic society. Almost all people from Mali are MuslimsAn estimated 90 percent of Malians are Muslim, mostly Sunni belonging to Maliki school of jurisprudence influenced with Sufism. Ahmadiyya and Shia minorities are also present. the remaining 10 percent of Malians adhere to indigenous or traditional animist beliefs or Christianity. Atheism and agnosticism are believed to be rare among Malians, most of whom practice their religion on a daily basis, although some are Deist. According to the 2005 U.S. Department of State’s annual report on religious freedom, Islam as traditionally practiced in Mali was characterized