Expert: Fr. Michael - 1/16/2007

Question
I would like to know the significance of the bent crucifix which the Pope carries.

Answer
       Since the pontificate of Paul VI, the post-conciliar popes have used a staff topped by an image that is not a traditional crucifix.  Some claim that this is modeled after the "Bent Crucifix," which has satanic associations. It
consists of a bent, or broken, cross with a distorted figure of the Christ. The traditional crucifix, on the other hand, is not bent, and the representation of the Christ is a full figure without any kind of distortion or disfiguration.
Others maintain that this crucifix follows a rough sketch made by St. John of the Cross from a vision. True, there is some resemblance, but the cross is different, and the perspective, which is the significant factor in St. John's
representation, is entirely different.

       Even so, what is the point? The question, as always with post-Vatican II changes is what is the significance of the change? Why all of a sudden would the post-conciliar popes reject the traditional papal crosier, representing
their pastoral office, a symbol that goes back to Sacred Scripture and the earliest art found in Roman catacombs, to take up a symbol that has confused and scandalized many of the Catholic faithful.