What is this hand gesture?

[Megan7]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/91/Popepiusix.jpg

I’m assuming this is some tradition that’s since been lost (at least in the U.S.), since I’ve only seen it in Papal images from before the time of St. Pius X. What does it mean? Where did it come from?

 

[Zekariya]

Here is the Byzantine benediction posture for priests and bishops:

http://forums.orthodoxchristianity.net/

The index finger is I. The middle finger is C. The ring finger and the thumb are crossed to make X. The pinky finger is C.

This is how the Old (Russian Orthodox) Believers, from the laity to the bishop, sign themselves with the Cross and bless:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c8/2fingers.jpg

Two fingers up for the two natures of Christ and the two fingers and thumb for the Holy Trinity.

 

[E_7]

https://fbcdn-photos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/3700_476804335672783_1131762308_n.jpg