Home Crosses Pagan symbols & customs Site search

Introduction
to the cross Meaning of
the cross All
Crosses Crosses by
category Alphabetical
index Identify
a cross



	Enter your search terms Submit search form
	Web www.seiyaku.com

The Pope's Cross

also known as the Bent (or Bendy) Cross

The Pope's Cross

The Pope's Cross

Pope Benedict XVI with a Bent Cross

The pope uses several designs of cross, including the standard Latin Cross, fabulous jewelled crosses, and this odd looking crucifix with a bent cross-beam, which seems to be one of his favourites.

This is a relatively recent design, created by the Italian artist Lello Scorzelli for Pope Paul VI in the mid-1960s. The curves have no heraldic or theological meaning, although the agrestic image reminds us of the virtue of humility and that Jesus was crucified on a rough wooden structure (see The Old Rugged Cross). This rustic cross is in stark contrast to the pope's conventional splendor.

The Bent Cross is used rather like an archbishop uses his crozier¹ and may also be compared to the Orthodox bishop's paterissa, which terminates in a pair of snakes.

Terminology

• The cross carried by the pope is often called a Pastoral Cross, although the correct term is Ferula².
• 'Pope's Cross' is also used to describe other designs, such as the Crossed Keys or the Papal Cross, which used for extraordinary ceremonial occasions.
• 'Bent Cross' is sometimes applied to the Swastika Cross. Other crosses with bends include the Twisted Cross and the Curved Cross