hi there plz i am a mosotho guy[19] living in lesotho,i am just for the signiicance of the bend cross that is ussually carried by the pope,because protestants claim it to be of satanists.plz help me coz am now in the horns of dillema as to quit from my catholic or what. looking forward to ur response,and i'll so greatfull.thanx

-- nako letsie (buna7@webmail.co.za), May 03, 2004

Answers

Response to what is the significance of the bend cross

Bump to New Answers to invite comment.

-- (bump@bump.bump), May 03, 2004.

Response to what is the significance of the bend cross

If the crucifix was rounded it is probably what has become known as the “pope’s crucifix”. This crucifix is most prominently displayed at the top of the pope’s crozier (staff) and it’s uniqueness helps in further drawing attention to the event that is at the centre of our faith. This crucifix was designed and created shortly before the pope’s accession to his office in 1978 purposely for John Paul II. The crucifix has nothing to do with Satan and everything to do with salvation.

Hold steadfast in your faith. You never have to apologize for your faith. It was given to you by God and is to be protected and treasured at all cost. Stick around here Nako and learn more about the faith handed down by Jesus, Himself.

-- Ed (Catholic4444@yahoo.ca), May 03, 2004.

Response to what is the significance of the bend cross

The Pope does not carry "a bent cross". He carries a shepherd's staff or crozier, which has a curved top. Because of the Pope's tremendous faith and devotion to Jesus Christ as the one Savior of the human race, he elected to have the crucifix - the ultimate symbol of our salvation - incorporated into his crozier. Since a crozier is curved at the top, the crucifix had to be curved as well, to fit the contour of the crozier head. Some people seem to have nothing better to do with their lives than dream up these absurd criticisms of God's Holy Church.

Another "satanic symbol" which anti-Catholic bigots connect with the Pope is the upside down cross. Actually this symbol has never appeared with the Pope in any public setting, even though readers of Chick Publications and other hopelessly confused individuals will claim that it appears behind him whenever he appears in public. The upside down cross is of course a symbol of blessed Peter, the first man to whom Christ entrusted the keys to His kingdom, and recalls the manner of Peter's death - upside-down crucifixion, at his own request, since he felt unworthy to die in the sdame manner as his Savior and Lord.

-- Paul M. (PaulCyp@cox.net), May 03, 2004.

Response to what is the significance of the bend cross

Nako,

You said: "plz help me coz am now in the horns of dillema as to quit from my catholic or what. looking forward to ur response,and i'll so greatfull.thanx'

Why are you thinking of leaving catholicism? Is there one person in particular who is swaying you? I would be interested to hear your story and about the Catholic Church in Lesotho. Lesotho is mostly Christian right? How about catholicism versus protestantism. Which is more dominant? I'm curious to find out.

-- Brian Crane (brian.crane@cranemills.com), May 03, 2004.