Pontifical vestments, also referred to as
episcopal vestments or
pontificals, are the liturgical
vestments worn by
bishops (and by concession some other
prelates) in the
Roman Catholic,
Eastern Orthodox,
Eastern Catholic,
Anglican, and some
Lutheran churches, in addition to the usual priestly vestments for the celebration of the
Mass and the other
sacraments. The pontifical vestments are only worn when celebrating or presiding over liturgical functions and should not be confused with
choir dress, which is worn when attending liturgical functions but not celebrating or presiding.