Pope Benedict XVI in white simar with fringed fascia. Note the papal coat of arms near the bottom of the fascia. The cardinal sitting behind him is wearing a scarlet fascia.
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The fascia is a sash worn by clerics and seminarians with the cassock in the Latin Rite of the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Church. It is also worn with the simar by those entitled to use the simar. It is not to be worn as a belt but should be placed above the waist between the navel and the breastbone (sternum). The ends that hang down should be worn on the left side of the body and placed a little forward but not completely off the left hip. Technically, the fascia is not a vestment, but is part of choir dress.
The pope's fascia is white. Only the pope may have his Coat of Arms placed on the ends of the fascia that hang down near or past the knees. The fascia worn by cardinals is scarlet red watered silk. The fascia worn by Archbishops who are nuncios is purple watered silk. The fascia worn by Patriarchs, Archbishops, Bishops, protonotaries apostolic, honorary prelates, and chaplains of his holiness is purple. The fascia worn by priests, deacons and seminarians is black, while the fascia worn by priests in the service of the Holy See is black watered silk.
Prior to the changes that followed the Second Vatican Council there were two types of fascia: the tufted fascia, on which each end was finished in a single large tassel, and the fringed fascia, on which each end is straight and finished with fringe. Currently, only the fringed fascia is used.
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