Pope Leo XIV Wears Pope Francis' Pectoral Cross

On July 9, 2025, a profound moment unfolded during a Mass for the Care of Creation, celebrated in what Vatican News described as a “natural cathedral” of towering trees and open skies. Pope Leo XIV, the recently elected pontiff, stepped forward wearing the iconic “Good Shepherd” pectoral cross, a simple silver piece that had become synonymous with his predecessor, Pope Francis.

This was no ordinary gesture. The cross, depicting Christ carrying a lamb on his shoulders, encapsulated Francis’ entire papacy—a ministry rooted in humility, service, and closeness to the marginalized. By choosing to wear it, Leo XIV sent a resounding message to the Catholic world and beyond: the spirit of Francis’ pontificate is alive and thriving.

Social media, particularly posts on X, erupted with enthusiasm, with users exclaiming, “We are sooo back!” and hailing Leo as “Pope Francis 2.0” in a mocking gesture of so-called Traditionalists. The choice was a bold declaration that Leo XIV intends to prioritize his role as a pastor over that of a politician, continuing a legacy of compassion, environmental stewardship, and unity in a Church often fraught with division.

The Good Shepherd cross, first worn by Pope Francis in 2013, is a stark departure from the ornate, gold-encrusted pectoral crosses favored by popes of centuries past. Crafted from simple silver, it portrays Jesus as the Good Shepherd, tenderly carrying a lamb while surrounded by his flock. For Francis, it was more than a piece of jewelry—it was a theological statement. It symbolized his vision of a Church that goes to the peripheries, embraces the poor, and rejects the trappings of power. When Leo XIV donned this cross, he was not merely borrowing a relic of his predecessor; he was embracing the ethos it represents. The Mass for the Care of Creation, an event rooted in Francis’ landmark encyclical *Laudato Si’*, was the perfect occasion for such a gesture. Held outdoors, surrounded by nature, it emphasized the interconnectedness of humanity and the environment—a theme central to both Francis’ and Leo’s papacies. The significance of this moment cannot be overstated. Since his election in March 2025, Pope Leo XIV has faced intense scrutiny. As a relatively unknown figure—an Augustinian cardinal from Argentina—his ascent to the papacy was a surprise to many. Some wondered whether he would continue Francis’ progressive reforms or pivot toward a more traditionalist stance to appease conservative factions within the Church. His decision to wear the Good Shepherd cross is a clear answer. It signals that Leo XIV is not interested in playing the political games that have long characterized Vatican dynamics. Instead, he is doubling down on Francis’ vision of a Church that prioritizes the poor, the environment, and the pastoral over the political. On X, the reaction was swift and jubilant. Posts flooded the platform, with hashtags like #PopeLeoXIV and #GoodShepherd trending globally. One user wrote, “Leo XIV wearing Francis’ cross? We are SOOO back. This is the Church I signed up for!” Another declared, “He’s not just continuing Francis’ work—he’s amplifying it. Pastor, not politician.” These sentiments reflect a broader sense of relief and excitement among Catholics who feared the Church might veer away from Francis’ reforms. Leo’s choice of the cross was a deliberate nod to this constituency, reassuring them that the spirit of *Laudato Si’*, *Fratelli Tutti*, and Francis’ emphasis on synodality will endure. The Mass itself was a powerful setting for this symbolic act. Held in a “natural cathedral,” the liturgy was a celebration of creation, echoing Francis’ call to care for our common home. Leo XIV’s homily, delivered under the canopy of trees, focused on the need for ecological conversion and solidarity with the poor, who suffer most from environmental degradation. “We are not owners of this earth,” he said, “but stewards, called to tend it with love and humility, as the Good Shepherd tends his flock.” The imagery of the shepherd, mirrored by the cross hanging from his neck, was unmistakable. It was a moment of continuity, a bridge between Francis’ papacy and Leo’s emerging leadership. This gesture also carries weight in the context of Leo XIV’s background. As an Augustinian, Leo is steeped in the spirituality of St. Augustine, whose emphasis on community, humility, and the pursuit of truth resonates deeply with Francis’ own Jesuit-inspired approach. Both popes share a commitment to a Church that is outward-looking, engaging with the world’s challenges rather than retreating into institutional self-preservation. By wearing the Good Shepherd cross, Leo XIV aligns himself with this vision, positioning himself as a “universal shepherd” who transcends the political divides that have polarized the Church in recent decades. The choice of the cross also speaks to Leo’s rejection of the trappings of power. Unlike the elaborate pectoral crosses of previous popes, which were often encrusted with jewels and crafted from gold, Francis’ cross is understated, almost austere. Its simplicity is a rebuke to the clericalism and pomp that Francis sought to dismantle. By adopting it, Leo XIV is signaling that he, too, rejects the idea of the papacy as a monarchical institution. Instead, he embraces a model of leadership that is relational, grounded in service, and focused on the needs of the faithful rather than the preservation of Vatican prestige. This moment also has implications for the Church’s ongoing synodal process, another hallmark of Francis’ papacy. Synodality, the idea of a Church that listens and journeys together, was a cornerstone of Francis’ reforms, culminating in the global Synod on Synodality that concluded in 2024. Leo XIV has already indicated his intention to continue this process, announcing plans for regional synods to address local challenges while maintaining a global dialogue. The Good Shepherd cross, with its imagery of a shepherd guiding his flock, is a fitting symbol for this approach. It suggests that Leo sees his role as one of accompaniment, walking with the faithful rather than dictating from above. The reaction from the global Catholic community has been overwhelmingly positive, but it’s not without critics. Some traditionalist voices on X and in Catholic media have expressed skepticism, arguing that Leo’s embrace of Francis’ symbols risks alienating conservatives who hoped for a return to a more doctrinally rigid papacy. One X post remarked, “The Good Shepherd cross is a nice gesture, but will Leo XIV address the doctrinal confusion left by Francis?” Such critiques reflect the ongoing tension within the Church between those who embrace Francis’ reforms and those who view them as a departure from tradition. Yet Leo’s decision to wear the cross suggests he is unafraid of these tensions, choosing instead to lean into Francis’ legacy as a way of unifying the Church around its core mission. The environmental focus of the Mass also underscores Leo XIV’s commitment to *Laudato Si’*, Francis’ 2015 encyclical on the environment and human ecology. The document called for a radical reorientation of human priorities, urging Catholics and all people of goodwill to address climate change, consumerism, and the exploitation of the poor. By celebrating a Mass for the Care of Creation and wearing Francis’ cross, Leo XIV is signaling that this agenda remains central to his papacy. In his homily, he spoke of the “cry of the earth and the cry of the poor,” echoing Francis’ words and reinforcing the Church’s role as a moral voice on global issues. This focus is particularly significant in 2025, as the world grapples with escalating climate crises, from record-breaking heatwaves to devastating floods. The symbolism of the Good Shepherd cross also extends to Leo’s approach to global challenges beyond the environment. Like Francis, he has emphasized the need for a Church that is a “field hospital,” tending to the wounds of a broken world. In his first months as pope, Leo has already made headlines for his outreach to refugees, his condemnation of economic inequality, and his calls for peace in conflict zones. The cross, with its image of Christ carrying the vulnerable, is a powerful emblem of this mission. It suggests that Leo’s papacy will be defined not by grand political strategies but by small, human gestures—visiting the poor, listening to the marginalized, and fostering dialogue across divides. For many Catholics, the sight of Leo XIV wearing the Good Shepherd cross is a moment of hope—a sign that the Church is moving forward, not backward. The phrase “We are sooo back” captures this sentiment perfectly, reflecting a renewed sense of optimism among those who saw Francis’ papacy as a turning point for the Church. By embracing the cross, Leo is not merely paying homage to his predecessor; he is signaling that he intends to build on Francis’ foundation, adapting it to the challenges of a new era. This is not a papacy of rupture but of continuity, rooted in the image of the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. In a world marked by division, polarization, and crisis, Pope Leo XIV’s choice to wear the Good Shepherd cross is a powerful statement. It reaffirms the Church’s call to be a beacon of hope, a voice for the voiceless, and a steward of creation. It declares that Leo XIV is not a politician maneuvering for influence but a pastor committed to guiding his flock with humility and love. As one X user put it, “Pope Leo XIV is Francis 2.0—same heart, same mission, new chapter.” With the Good Shepherd cross around his neck, Leo XIV is proving that the Church is, indeed, “sooo back.”

The Pectoral Cross with Hook and Chain: Historical, Theological, and Symbolic Significance in Episcopal Vesture

The Pectoral Cross with Hook and Chain: Historical, Theological, and Symbolic Significance in Episcopal Vesture

The pectoral cross, a prominent liturgical vestment worn by Catholic bishops, is a symbol of their apostolic authority, pastoral responsibility, and unity with Christ’s sacrifice. Distinctively, bishops’ pectoral crosses often feature a hook at the top, with a chain or cord draped on either side, a design that sets them apart from the simpler crosses worn by priests or laity. This configuration, while seemingly minor, carries deep historical, theological, and practical significance, reflecting the bishop’s unique role as a successor of the apostles and shepherd of the Church. This paper examines why bishops use a pectoral cross with a hook and chain, tracing its origins, development, and symbolism. Drawing on Scripture, Church documents, and scholarly analyses, we argue that the hook and chain design underscores the bishop’s distinct authority, pastoral burden, and connection to apostolic tradition, serving as a visible sign of his office within the Church’s liturgical and hierarchical structure.

1. Historical Context and Origins of the Pectoral Cross

1.1. Early Christian Use of Crosses

The use of crosses as Christian symbols dates to the 2nd century, with early Christians adopting them as signs of faith and redemption (1 Cor. 1:18; Dix, 1945). Initially, crosses were not worn but displayed in worship spaces or carried in processions. By the 4th century, following Constantine’s legalization of Christianity (313 CE), clergy began wearing crosses as devotional objects, particularly in the East, where pectoral crosses (enkolpia) were used by monks and bishops (Fortescue, 1912). These early crosses, often reliquaries containing fragments of the True Cross, were suspended from cords around the neck, a practice that spread to the West by the 6th century (Walsh, 2005).

1.2. Development of the Episcopal Pectoral Cross

The pectoral cross as a distinct episcopal vestment emerged in the medieval period, formalized as a marker of the bishop’s authority. By the 9th century, Carolingian reforms under Charlemagne standardized liturgical practices, including vestments, with bishops adopting crosses to signify their apostolic succession (Andrieu, 1921). The Pontificale Romanum (ca. 10th century) describes bishops wearing crosses suspended by cords, often with a hook to secure the chain, ensuring stability during liturgical functions (Jungmann, 1948).

The hook and chain design likely originated from practical needs. Early pectoral crosses, made of metal or wood, were heavy, requiring a secure attachment to prevent slipping. The hook, typically a loop or clasp at the cross’s top, anchored the chain, which was draped on either side to distribute weight evenly (Noonan, 1996). This design, documented in medieval episcopal portraits, became standard by the 12th century, distinguishing bishops from lower clergy, who wore simpler crosses or none (Walsh, 2005).

1.3. Jewish and Secular Influences

The pectoral cross’s form may draw from Jewish high priestly vestments, such as the ephod and breastplate (Exod. 28:15–30), which signified authority and divine favor. The chain’s bilateral draping parallels the ephod’s shoulder straps, adapted to Christian symbolism (Fortescue, 1912). Secular Roman insignia, like the lorum (a ceremonial scarf), also influenced the cross’s suspension, as bishops adopted imperial symbols to reflect their spiritual governance (Dix, 1945). These influences underscore the cross’s role as a bridge between Jewish tradition, Roman culture, and Christian theology (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1994).

2. Authorization and Regulation of the Pectoral Cross

2.1. Early Episcopal Oversight

No single individual created the pectoral cross; its development was a collective process guided by bishops and synods. Early Church councils, such as the Council of Laodicea (ca. 364), regulated clerical attire to ensure dignity, though specific mention of crosses is absent (Tanner, 1990). By the 7th century, regional synods, like the Council of Toledo (633), mandated distinctive vestments for bishops, likely including crosses, to reflect their authority (Jungmann, 1948).

2.2. Medieval and Tridentine Standardization

The medieval Church formalized the pectoral cross’s use under papal and episcopal authority. The Caeremoniale Episcoporum (1600), issued post-Council of Trent (1545–1563), codified episcopal vestments, specifying that bishops wear a pectoral cross suspended by a chain or cord during liturgical functions (Fortescue, 1912). Trent’s reforms, responding to Protestant critiques of Catholic ritual, emphasized vestments’ symbolic role, with the pectoral cross signifying the bishop’s share in Christ’s cross (Tanner, 1990). The Roman Curia, through the Congregation of Rites, authorized these norms, ensuring uniformity across the Latin Rite (Quo Primum, 1570; Peters, 2019).

2.3. Post-Vatican II Regulations

The Second Vatican Council (1962–1965) simplified liturgical vestments, prioritizing “noble simplicity” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 1963). The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) and Ceremonial of Bishops (1984) mandate that bishops wear a pectoral cross, typically under the chasuble, with a chain or cord, but allow flexibility in design (GIRM, 2002; Ceremonial of Bishops, 1984). The Congregation for Divine Worship, under papal authority, oversees compliance, approving variations like gold or silver chains to reflect local traditions (CIC, 1983). The hook and chain remain standard, preserving historical continuity while adapting to modern aesthetics (Reddit, 2023).

3. Design and Practical Function of the Hook and Chain

3.1. Practical Origins

The hook and chain design addresses practical challenges of wearing a pectoral cross. Medieval crosses, often crafted from precious metals and adorned with gems, were heavy, necessitating a secure suspension method (Noonan, 1996). The hook, a metal loop or clasp at the cross’s top, anchors the chain, preventing it from slipping during processions or gestures like raising the arms (Walsh, 2005). The chain, draped on either side, distributes weight evenly across the shoulders, reducing strain and ensuring the cross remains centered on the chest (Jungmann, 1948).

This design also facilitates liturgical functionality. Bishops, who perform complex rites like ordinations, require vestments that do not impede movement. The chain’s bilateral draping, secured by the hook, keeps the cross stable, unlike a single cord that might shift (Fortescue, 1912). The Ceremonial of Bishops notes that the cross is worn over the alb but under the chasuble, with the chain ensuring it remains visible yet unobtrusive (Ceremonial of Bishops, 1984).

3.2. Evolution of Materials and Craftsmanship

Early pectoral crosses were simple, made of wood or bronze, but by the Middle Ages, they became ornate, crafted from gold, silver, or ivory, often encrusted with jewels (Walsh, 2005). The chain, initially a woolen cord, evolved into metal links, reflecting the bishop’s dignity and the Church’s artistic patronage (Noonan, 1996). Gothic and Renaissance designs featured intricate hooks, sometimes shaped as crosses or fleurs-de-lis, enhancing symbolic meaning (Jungmann, 1948). Modern crosses balance simplicity and tradition, with chains often made of lightweight gold or silver to align with Vatican II’s reforms (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 1963; Reddit, 2024).

4. Symbolism of the Pectoral Cross with Hook and Chain

4.1. Theological Significance: Christ’s Cross and Episcopal Duty

The pectoral cross symbolizes the bishop’s participation in Christ’s redemptive sacrifice, as St. Paul writes, “I bear on my body the marks of Jesus” (Gal. 6:17). The CCC describes the cross as a sign of salvation, uniting the wearer to Christ’s passion (CCC, 1994). For bishops, the cross signifies their role as shepherds who “take up their cross” to lead the faithful (Matt. 16:24; Aquinas, 1947).

The hook and chain enhance this symbolism. The hook, securing the cross, represents the bishop’s steadfast commitment to Christ, anchoring him to his apostolic mission (John 21:15–17; Walsh, 2005). The chain, draped on both sides, symbolizes the dual burden of governing and sanctifying the Church, evoking the “yoke” of Christ (Matt. 11:30; Jungmann, 1948). The bilateral design also suggests balance, reflecting the bishop’s duty to mediate between God and the faithful (CCC, 1994).

4.2. Apostolic Succession and Authority

As successors of the apostles, bishops inherit the authority to teach, govern, and sanctify (Acts 1:20; Lumen Gentium, 1964). The pectoral cross, worn exclusively by bishops (and some abbots by privilege), distinguishes their office from priests, who may wear simpler crosses (Ceremonial of Bishops, 1984). The chain’s regal appearance, often gold or silver, signifies the bishop’s apostolic dignity, akin to the mitre or crosier (Fortescue, 1912). The hook, as a point of connection, symbolizes the bishop’s link to Peter, the “rock” of the Church (Matt. 16:18; Ratzinger, 1987).

4.3. Pastoral Responsibility

The chain’s weight, though minimal in modern designs, recalls the bishop’s pastoral burden, as he “carries the cross” for his flock (1 Pet. 5:2–3). The bilateral draping evokes the Good Shepherd, whose yoke encompasses all (John 10:11; Walsh, 2005). The cross’s position over the heart signifies the bishop’s love for his people, a theme in vesting prayers: “Place upon me the cross of salvation” (Roman Pontifical, 1962). This symbolism aligns with Vatican II’s call for bishops to be “servants of all” (Christus Dominus, 1965).

4.4. Eschatological Hope

The pectoral cross points to the eschatological promise of resurrection, as the cross is “the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18). The chain’s encircling form suggests eternity, linking the bishop’s temporal ministry to the heavenly liturgy (Rev. 7:9; CCC, 1994). The hook, securing this hope, symbolizes Christ’s victory over death, which the bishop proclaims (Ratzinger, 2000).

5. Development Through the Centuries

5.1. Medieval Elaboration

The Middle Ages saw pectoral crosses become more ornate, reflecting the Church’s wealth and artistic patronage. Gothic crosses featured detailed engravings, while Renaissance designs incorporated relics or jewels (Noonan, 1996). The chain’s craftsmanship, often by skilled goldsmiths, became a mark of episcopal dignity, though some reformers, like St. Bernard of Clairvaux, criticized excess (Walsh, 2005). The Caeremoniale Episcoporum (1600) standardized the cross’s use, mandating a chain for stability and visibility (Fortescue, 1912).

5.2. Post-Tridentine Continuity

The Council of Trent (1545–1563) reinforced the pectoral cross’s role, ensuring its use in all Latin Rite dioceses (Tanner, 1990). The Baroque period favored elaborate designs, but the 19th-century Liturgical Movement, led by Dom Prosper Guéranger, advocated simpler forms to reflect early Christian practice (Guéranger, 1885). The cross’s hook and chain remained consistent, balancing tradition with functionality (Jungmann, 1948).

5.3. Vatican II Reforms

Vatican II’s call for “noble simplicity” influenced pectoral cross designs, with modern crosses often smaller and less ornate (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 1963). The chain, now typically lightweight metal, retains the bilateral draping, preserving symbolic meaning (GIRM, 2002). Some bishops, like those in mission territories, use locally crafted crosses, reflecting inculturation, but the hook and chain design remains standard (Reddit, 2023). Traditionalist critiques, like those on Novus Ordo Watch, lament simplified designs, but the Church affirms their legitimacy (Novus Ordo Watch, 2025).

6. Addressing Misconceptions and Contemporary Relevance

6.1. Misconceptions of Superstition

Some Catholics attribute magical properties to the pectoral cross, a misconception the CCC rejects, emphasizing its role as a sacramental, not a talisman (CCC, 1994). The hook and chain are practical, not mystical, designed for stability, not supernatural power (Saunders, 2018). Trent’s condemnation of superstition applies here, urging focus on the cross’s symbolic role (Tanner, 1990).

6.2. Confusion with Other Crosses

Lay or priestly crosses, often worn without chains, can cause confusion. The episcopal pectoral cross’s hook and chain distinguish it, reflecting the bishop’s unique authority (Ceremonial of Bishops, 1984). Catechesis, as urged by Reddit discussions, is needed to clarify this (Reddit, 2024). The Synod on Synodality (2023) emphasizes visual symbols in digital evangelization, suggesting the cross’s role in teaching the faithful (Synod Synthesis Report, 2023).

6.3. Contemporary Relevance

In a visual culture, the pectoral cross with hook and chain remains a powerful symbol. Its distinct design communicates the bishop’s role across languages, as seen in global papal events (Duffy, 2006). The chain’s elegance, balanced by the cross’s humility, reflects the bishop’s dual call to authority and service (Christus Dominus, 1965). Restoring ornate designs, as some traditionalists advocate, could enhance solemnity, provided simplicity is maintained (Reddit, 2023).

7. The Pectoral Cross as Episcopal Identity

The pectoral cross with a hook and chain, a hallmark of episcopal vesture, embodies the bishop’s role as a successor of the apostles, shepherd, and bearer of Christ’s cross. Its origins in Greco-Roman and Jewish traditions, developed through centuries of episcopal and papal oversight, reflect the Church’s organic liturgical growth. The hook and chain, born of practical needs, symbolize the bishop’s anchored commitment and pastoral burden, distinguishing his office from other clergy. Authorized by councils like Trent and Vatican II, the cross’s design balances tradition with modern simplicity, ensuring its relevance (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 1963). Theologically, it signifies apostolic authority, sacrificial love, and eschatological hope, uniting the bishop to Christ and the faithful (CCC, 1994). In a world seeking authentic symbols, the pectoral cross with hook and chain remains a vital expression of the Church’s mission, proclaiming the Gospel through sacred beauty.

In the Catholic Church, laypeople are generally not permitted to wear pectoral crosses, as they are a specific liturgical vestment reserved for certain ranks of clergy. The pectoral cross is a large cross worn on a chain or cord around the neck, typically resting on the chest, and is a symbol of ecclesiastical authority and jurisdiction.

Church Guidelines on Pectoral Crosses

According to the Ceremonial of Bishops (a liturgical book that outlines the norms for bishops’ ceremonies) and the Code of Canon Law, the pectoral cross is designated for:

• Bishops (including archbishops and cardinals) as a standard part of their episcopal vesture (see Ceremonial of Bishops, no. 56).
• Certain abbots and prelates with quasi-episcopal jurisdiction, such as territorial abbots or apostolic administrators, with permission from the Holy See.
• In some rare cases, priests who have been granted the title of "Monsignor" (e.g., protonotaries apostolic, under specific historical privileges) may wear a pectoral cross, but this is less common today and typically requires explicit permission.

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) and other liturgical documents do not provide for laypeople to wear pectoral crosses during liturgical celebrations or in any official capacity. The use of such symbols by laypeople could blur the distinction between the roles of the ordained and the laity, which the Church seeks to maintain for clarity in liturgical and hierarchical functions.

Laypeople and Similar Symbols

Laypeople may wear personal crosses or crucifixes as devotional items, such as necklaces or pendants, but these are not pectoral crosses in the liturgical sense. A pectoral cross is distinct in its size, design, and purpose, often containing relics and symbolizing the wearer’s office. For example:

• A layperson might wear a small cross necklace as a sign of faith, which is encouraged as a personal devotion.
• However, wearing a pectoral cross, especially in a liturgical setting (e.g., while serving as a lector or extraordinary minister of Holy Communion), would be inappropriate unless explicitly authorized by the bishop for a specific reason, which is exceedingly rare.

Historical and Cultural Exceptions

There are rare historical or cultural exceptions where laypeople might wear something resembling a pectoral cross:

• In some religious orders or confraternities, lay members might wear a cross as part of their habit or insignia, but this is typically not a pectoral cross in the liturgical sense and is specific to the group’s tradition (e.g., the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, where lay members may wear a cross as part of their ceremonial dress).
• In certain Eastern Catholic traditions, customs might differ, but these are still regulated by the local bishop and liturgical norms.

Official Church Documents

The 1997 Vatican document Instruction on Certain Questions Regarding the Collaboration of the Non-Ordained Faithful in the Sacred Ministry of Priests (Article 6) emphasizes that laypeople should not assume roles or symbols that are proper to the ordained, including vestments and insignia like the pectoral cross, to avoid confusion.

Additionally, the 2004 Vatican instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum (no. 123) reiterates that liturgical roles and symbols are to be used in accordance with the Church’s norms, which reserve items like the pectoral cross for the ordained unless otherwise specified.

Practical Implications

If a layperson were to wear a pectoral cross in a liturgical setting without permission, it could be seen as a violation of liturgical norms and might cause confusion among the faithful. Local bishops have the authority to regulate such matters in their dioceses, and any exception would require their explicit approval. For example, a layperson leading a non-liturgical prayer service (e.g., a rosary or a communal event) might wear a cross as a devotional item, but it should not mimic the pectoral cross used by bishops.

Conclusion

Laypeople in the Catholic Church are not permitted to wear pectoral crosses in the liturgical or official sense, as these are reserved for bishops and certain other clergy. Laypeople may wear personal crosses as devotional items, but they should avoid using symbols that suggest an ordained role, especially in liturgical contexts. If there’s uncertainty, consulting the local bishop or parish priest for guidance is recommended.

For further reading, refer to:

• Ceremonial of Bishops (Liturgical Press, 1989).
• Instruction on Certain Questions Regarding the Collaboration of the Non-Ordained Faithful in the Sacred Ministry of Priests (Vatican, 1997).
• Redemptionis Sacramentum (Vatican, 2004).

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