What is the significance of the Papal crucifix and covering the chalice?

  • Thread starter Thread starter EphelDuath
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
EphelDuath said:
Two unrelated questions.

One, why does the Pope carry a staff that has a “bent” crucifix? kidsister.files.wordpress.com/2007/03/14440_375x375.jpg

Two, what is the reasoning for covering the chalice with the Blood of Christ at Mass with a small, square plate?
Click to expand...
This particular crossier was first used by Pope Paul VI and has been a papal heirloom ever since. I believe that only the Pope carries this kind of crossier, as the regular crossier resembles the traditional shepherd’s staff.

The pall is the “small square plate” that covers the chalice. Originally, it was done more for practical reasons in order to keep anything from entering the chalice (insects, dust). While there are some priests who don’t use it, plenty others do. My PV (parochial vicar) uses it every day, as does Pope Benedict during the Masses he celebrates.
 
Paul VI was the first pope to use a pastoral staff, oddly enough.

Up to his time, upon elevation to the papacy, the crozier used by most bishops would be laid aside and no staff used at all.

Popes just didn’t use them–until Paul VI, that is.

But this is typical Roman (local Roman) conservatism. Many practices labelled by Protestant polemecists as “popish” were actually observed all over Europe BEFORE they were ever observed at Rome itself.
 
bpbasilphx said:
Paul VI was the first pope to use a pastoral staff, oddly enough.

Up to his time, upon elevation to the papacy, the crozier used by most bishops would be laid aside and no staff used at all.

Popes just didn’t use them–until Paul VI, that is.

But this is typical Roman (local Roman) conservatism. Many practices labelled by Protestant polemecists as “popish” were actually observed all over Europe BEFORE they were ever observed at Rome itself.
Click to expand...
Thanks for clarifying that one. I think something was lost in the translation when they were trying to explain the Papal crosier during the St. Peter and Popes traveling exhibit my dad and I went to a couple of years ago.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top