Why do pall bears wear gloves

I don't think they do at every funeral. They didn't at my friend's funeral.

It is an honor to be asked to be a pallbearer. The funeral director may supply white gloves that the pallbearers wear while handling/carrying the casket. This is especially true of military and fire/police/government funerals. Later, at the gravesite, after the pallbearers have moved the casket from the hearse to the grave and prior to the casket being lowered into the ground, all the white gloves worn by the pallbearers are placed on top of the casket.

The white gloves are a sign of respect.

I went to a religious funeral and it was the first time I saw gloves, let alone wore them as a pallbearer. It was optional whether we wanted to keep them or place them on the casket.

This was the only funeral that I've been to where the casket was lowered in the ground in the presence of all who were there.

I have never seen gloves used by a palbearer. So I guess it may be just a custom done by some.

It is done as a sign of respect for the deceased.

It is a sign of respect but has been abandoned by some funeral directors for the practical reason that it makes it harder to get a good grip - they make the grip more slippery.

I have also heard the theory that at one time with more rustic caskets used, work gloves might have been needed so funeral directors provided gloves that were presentable and appropriate to the occasion.

They have always been used at the Catholic funerals I have attended, and without exception, it seems the men are nervous that they will drop the casket because they prevent a good grip on the rails.