The Story Behind The Pectoral Crosses Worn By Pope Francis
If there is one thing that has made heads turn in the Catholic world in the past few years, it is the dressing style of Pope Francis. At the age of 84, he is the head of the Catholic Church. He is also the sovereign of the Vatican City State. Whenever you see him in public, he is dressed in a white cassock and pectoral cross. You might be wondering, what is the significance of Pectoral Crosses ? When we look at the history of the pectoral cross, the first thing you need to keep in mind is that it is worn around the neck by cardinals, bishops, or popes. The large cross that is part of the pectoral cross is meant to rest on the chest, close to the heart. A look back at history Among the first popes seen wearing a pectoral cross was Pope Leo III. He was seen wearing the pectoral cross all the way back in 811. It is believed that this cross was given to him by Nicephorus, the Patriarch of Constantinople. This cross was made of gold. The tradition of P...