Papal Crucifix

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Does anyone know the story behind the very unique crucifix on the papal staff carried by John Paul II? I seem to remember, many years ago, hearing that it had a special meaning. I just got a necklace crucifix with that image - it’s my own special JPII memoribilia - and I’d like to be able to explain the origin of this image. :cool:

But when I tried looking it up on the web the only thing I found was blathering anti-catholics claiming that the pope’s staff was topped by a satanic “bent crucifix.” :bigyikes:
 
This link may help. Have to go , so don’t have time to check it thoroughly.

The Pope had a light weight one made a few years ago, when it started to get too difficult to carry the heavy one. Good luck.
newadvent.org/cathen/04515c.htm
 

Re: Bent Cross Crucifix?​

"The crucifix used by the Holy Father is technically his crozier, the shepherd staff that is the most senior ecclesiastical insignia of the bishop and represents his pastoral authority. As bishops and the shepherds of the Universal Church, the popes have used the crozier, but ceased doing so in the 11th century. Traditionally, the crozier traces its origins back all the way to the Apostles, and it is known to have been used in the traditional form by bishops(with an ornamental crook) from the time of Pope Celestine I (r. 422-432.

Pope Paul instituted a change upon his election. Rather than use a traditional crozier – seen as a symbol of jurisdictional authority – the pontiff adopted what was termed a pastoral staff. The staff was designed by Italian artist Lello Scorzelli in the shape of a crucifix. The staff was retained by both Popes John Paul I and John Paul II. In 1990, a new, slightly re-designed staff was presented to the pontiff in honor of his birthday. This staff is still in use today…"

ewtn.com/vexperts/showme…8&number=408039
 
I appreciate knowing the origin of JPII’s crosier. Far from being a satanic symbol, the image with the wood of the cross bending says to me that the weight of our sin which Jesus took on was too heavy for even the cross itself. Only Jesus could bear that weight.

In one of JPII’s books, “Rise, Let us be on our way” I think, he discusses his crosier. Previously carried by Paul VI, he chose to carry it because it is to him a symbol of pastoral care, leadership, and responsibility. Most specifically, this crosier is a sign of service in the footsteps of Jesus - the shepherd who guides and leads, who serves, and gives his life as a ransom for many.
 
Nan S:
Does anyone know the story behind the very unique crucifix on the papal staff carried by John Paul II? I seem to remember, many years ago, hearing that it had a special meaning. I just got a necklace crucifix with that image - it’s my own special JPII memoribilia - and I’d like to be able to explain the origin of this image. :cool:

But when I tried looking it up on the web the only thing I found was blathering anti-catholics claiming that the pope’s staff was topped by a satanic “bent crucifix.” :bigyikes:
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Interesting question. I’ve often wondered about the origin and significance of this image too. The traditional crucifix gives us a dignified image as befits the Son of God. John Paul II’s crucifix represents a radical break with tradition by giving us a truly grotesque and horrific image of extreme suffering and humiliation. And I don’t consider it “anti-Catholic” to point this out.

But why this shift to an image from which all trace of dignity has been removed? What is the explanation? Do we need such realism? Why depict Christ as merely human?
 
there’s nothing dignified about being crucified. i think the admittedly ugly crucifix reminds us how ugly our sin is
 
Crucifixion was a singularly hideous manner of death.I like the papal crucifix, because its design reminds me of how much Jesus suffered for my sins.
The cross was after all, the “old rugged cross”, as the old hymn puts it; it was not a thing of beauty, but an instrument of torture…:crying:
 
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romano:
Interesting question. I’ve often wondered about the origin and significance of this image too. The traditional crucifix gives us a dignified image as befits the Son of God. John Paul II’s crucifix represents a radical break with tradition by giving us a truly grotesque and horrific image of extreme suffering and humiliation. And I don’t consider it “anti-Catholic” to point this out.

But why this shift to an image from which all trace of dignity has been removed? What is the explanation? Do we need such realism? Why depict Christ as merely human?
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From what I understand, the crucifix on John Paul II’s staff was inspired by the mystical drawing of the crucifixion by St. John of the Cross. The Holy Father was a secular Carmelite, and was greatly influenced by St. John’s spirituality (I believe he did the thesis for his doctorate on theology on St. John.

http://www.d.umn.edu/~aroos/stjohncopy.JPG

This is a contemporary copy - the detail is hard to see on the original (plus the picture showed up HUGE on here and I don’t know how to make them smaller). At least with this image, you can see the perspective and the position of the corpus.
 
My first reply answers all these questions being asked. Check out the link. The corpus is leaning forward, to reach out to us sinners. This is the symbolism.
 
I have one hunged on my neck,and it tells me that Christ took on his shoulders our sins,and they are soooo maaanyyy!!! His shoulders and arms were so heavy they bended down the arms of the cross.He took them to the cross,so we can have a fresh start with him!!!
 
Nan S.
Where did you buy your pastoral coss pendant.
I want to buy one.
Thanks.
 
The Bow Cross that PJPII carried with such grace, reverence and humility was created by an artist named Gib Singleton. He currently resides in Santa Fe, NM. Much of his life’s work has a religious theme. The original sculpture was created in the 1950’s. Gib created 4 or 5 other Bow Cross pieces, but that was the only one cast in silver. The others are in bronze.
X
 
Where did you buy your pastoral coss pendant.
I want to buy one.
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Hi jb1762.
I know your question was directed elsewhere but I also wear one and bought it in a Catholic gift shop in Tempe, AZ.
 
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EdeEC:
The Bow Cross that PJPII carried with such grace, reverence and humility was created by an artist named Gib Singleton. He currently resides in Santa Fe, NM. Much of his life’s work has a religious theme. The original sculpture was created in the 1950’s. Gib created 4 or 5 other Bow Cross pieces, but that was the only one cast in silver. The others are in bronze.X
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Since the Bent Cross (or Bow Cross) represents such a radical break with tradition, there ought to be some authoritative documentation on it somewhere.

Does anyone know of any?
 
I got mine at the Catholic store. It was in a box full of medals of the type added to a rosary, and I hung it on a necklace. Nothing fancy - the crucifix only cost a dollar, the chain cost $5!

I have worn it constantly throughout the conclave as a reminder to pray constantly for our new pope.
 
My husband gave me a papal crucifix necklace for Christmas this year. At first I thought it a little masculine, but after reading the history and meaning behind it, love it and feel so attached to it.

it is so beautiful to me now!
 
I received one for Christmas too. On a chain. I’m so happy to know more about it. I had only associated it, with John Paul II. Because I have a special love and devotion for him, I guess I hadn’t specifically noticed it being used by prior Popes. 😊 Thanks for the wonderful information! Happy New Year to all!
 
MarieVeronica said:
I received one for Christmas too. On a chain. I’m so happy to know more about it. I had only associated it, with John Paul II. Because I have a special love and devotion for him, I guess I hadn’t specifically noticed it being used by prior Popes. 😊 Thanks for the wonderful information! Happy New Year to all!
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Don’t you mean Merry Christmas? We still have 11 more days girl!
 
romano said:
Since the Bent Cross (or Bow Cross) represents such a radical break with tradition, there ought to be some authoritative documentation on it somewhere.

Does anyone know of any?
Click to expand...
The Bent (Bow) Cross isn’t a departure from tradition. There’s a famous Matthias Grünewald painting of Christ on a bent cross. Traditionally, the bent cross or more appropriately bow cross symbolizes Christ as the arrow and His cross as the bow which shoots him down to Hell to defeat sin and the devil which depicts Christ in a Christus Victor light.
 
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