Papal Symbols
The pope is most often depicted in art
wearing his crown, the Tiara, called the triple crown. It is no longer
used by the Popes.
- The above image is part of the Dispute over the
Blessed Sacrament by Raphael. Click, the image, here to
see a larger detail, or here to see the entire work.
- See also Rahpael's "theologians" detail. If you look at the depictions of various Popes you will see they all have a Tiara, including Clement who died in 97 AD, long before the Tiara was adopted for
use by the Popes. (The crown is a little clearer on Pope
St. Stephen.)
- For more information see the Catholic
Encyclopedia entry
for Tiara; and for information on the Pope. [This is given for historical reference. Much
change has occurred, for example kissing the foot ended with Pope John XXIII.]
Another symbol that can be used is a key.
Here Jesus gives the keys to the Kingdom to Peter. The Popes who
succeed Peter also share in the
Power of the Keys.
This painting is found on the wall of the
Sistine
Chapel. Click on the image or
here
to see the whole painting by Perugino. Michelangelo also uses a key
to indicate Peter
in the Last
Judgment. For a good detail look at our
page Saints
at the Last Judgment.
G.G.Sill reports that there is a Papal Cross which
is a Latin Cross with three unequal cross pieces. Sill, Symbolism
in Christian Art, p. 31. (The three coss-pieces may
represent the three areas of responsibility which all the ordain
share with Christ, leader of worship, teacher, community leader. The
Pope has the greatest responsibility for these missions in
Christ.)
The fine art images are from Christus
Rex. All images are for religious and
educational purposes only. No other use of any part of this page is
intended or permitted.
Christian
Symbolism
-
Catholic Teaching and Tradition on Religious Art.
Symbols of
Christ • The
Face of Christ • The
Face of God
