‘Stop wearing cross as fashion statement’ — Pontiff

The leader of the Roman Catholic church issued the warning during a speech at St Peter’s Square in the Vatican on Sunday, March 18, 2018.

He reminded people of the religious significance of the cross, which is why he is urging everyone to leave it alone.

In his words, “The crucifix is not an ornamental object or a clothing accessory which is sometimes abused, but a religious sign to be contemplated and understood.

“The image of Jesus crucified reveals the mystery of the death of the Son as the supreme act of love, the source of life and salvation for humanity of all times."

Pope Francis also invited his hearers to ask themselves: “How do I look at the crucifix? Like a work of art, to see if it’s beautiful or not beautiful? Or do I look inside, within the wounds of Jesus up to his heart? I look at the mystery of God annihilated to death, like a slave, like a criminal.”

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What cross means to Catholics

The Pontiff is not the first person to reveal the religious significance of the crucifix.

In 2013, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Most Rev. Justin Welby,  in 2013, said: “For those early Christians it was a badge of shame. Today it is more commonly seen as a symbol of beauty to hang around your neck.

“‘As a friend of mine used to say, ‘you might as well hang a tiny golden gallows or an electric chair around your neck’.”

He said this in the foreword of his first Lent book.