The upside-down cross, also known as the Cross of Saint Peter, often sparks curiosity and, unfortunately, misinterpretation. One common misconception, particularly among anti-Catholic groups, is that this symbol, prominently featured in Papal imagery, is actually satanic. This viewpoint often stems from the idea that the Pope is the Antichrist, and the inverted cross is presented as supposed “proof” of this claim, suggesting a connection to Satan. However, this interpretation is fundamentally incorrect and misrepresents the rich history and profound meaning behind the Saint Peter’s Cross.
Debunking the Misconception: Understanding the Confusion
The association of the upside-down cross with satanism likely arises from a misunderstanding of inverted symbols in general. In popular culture and some subcultures, inverting a symbol can indeed signify its opposite or a rejection of its original meaning. This principle, however, is not universally applicable, and certainly not in the case of the Saint Peter’s Cross within Christian tradition. The visual inversion, in this instance, is not intended to be a reversal of Christian values but rather a specific reference to a historical event and a powerful symbol of humility.
The True Meaning: St. Peter’s Humility and Martyrdom
The actual origin of the upside-down cross as a Christian symbol is rooted in the martyrdom of Saint Peter, one of Jesus Christ’s apostles and the first Pope. Historical tradition recounts that Peter, when condemned to crucifixion in Rome, deemed himself unworthy to be crucified in the same manner as Jesus. In an act of profound humility and reverence for Christ, he requested to be crucified upside down. This request was honored, and thus, the inverted cross became associated with Saint Peter specifically.
This narrative is supported by early Church writings and traditions. The Gospel of John subtly hints at the nature of Peter’s death when Jesus says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go.” The Gospel writer clarifies, “(This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, “Follow me”” (John 21:18-19). “Stretching out one’s hands” was a well-understood idiom for crucifixion in the ancient world, particularly within the Christian context.
Historical Evidence: Testimonies from Early Christian Writers
The tradition of Peter’s upside-down crucifixion is not merely legend but is attested to by numerous early Christian writers, solidifying its historical basis within Church history.
Tertullian, writing around A.D. 200, stated in De Præscriptione 36:
If thou art near Italy, thou hast Rome where authority is ever within reach. How fortunate is this Church for which the Apostles have poured out their whole teaching with their blood, where Peter has emulated the Passion of the Lord, where Paul was crowned with the death of John.
Again, in Scorpiace 15 (c. A.D. 204), Tertullian reiterates:
And if a heretic wishes his confidence to rest upon a public record, the archives of the empire will speak, as would the stones of Jerusalem. We read the lives of the Cæsars: At Rome Nero was the first who stained with blood the rising faith. Then is Peter girt by another, when he is made fast to the cross. Then does Paul obtain a birth suited to Roman citizenship, when in Rome he springs to life again ennobled by martyrdom.
Eusebius of Caesarea, in his Ecclesiastical History (c. A.D. 325), also recounts the tradition:
Peter appears to have preached in Pontus, Galatia, Bithynia, Cappadocia, and Asia to the Jews of the dispersion. And at last, having come to Rome, he was crucified head-downwards; for he had requested that he might suffer in this way…. These facts are related by Origen in the third volume of his Commentary on Genesis (III.1).
Thus publicly announcing himself as the first among God’s chief enemies, [Nero] was led on to the slaughter of the apostles. It is, therefore, recorded that Paul was beheaded in Rome itself, and that Peter likewise was crucified under Nero. This account of Peter and Paul is substantiated by the fact that their names are preserved in the cemeteries of that place even to the present day (II.25.5).
These early sources, among others like Origen, Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, and Irenaeus, consistently point to the tradition of St. Peter’s upside-down crucifixion as a historical reality within the early Church.
The Church’s Symbolism: Honoring St. Peter
Because of the manner of his death, the Church adopted the upside-down cross as a symbol specifically associated with Saint Peter. It is used to represent Peter, not as a symbol of Christ himself. Consequently, the Pope, as the successor of Saint Peter and head of the Catholic Church, utilizes the upside-down cross as a symbol of his office, in remembrance of St. Peter’s humility, leadership, and ultimate sacrifice.
It is crucial to distinguish between the Saint Peter’s Cross and an upside-down crucifix. The Saint Peter’s Cross is typically depicted without the corpus (the body of Christ), whereas an inverted crucifix, particularly in certain contexts, could indeed be intended as a blasphemous or satanic symbol. However, the Church’s use of the Saint Peter’s Cross is devoid of any such intent. It is a symbol of honor, humility, and the foundational figure upon whom the Catholic Church is built.
In conclusion, the idea that the Saint Peter’s Cross is satanic is a misconception rooted in a lack of understanding of its historical and religious significance. It is not a symbol of evil or anti-Christian sentiment, but rather a poignant reminder of Saint Peter’s martyrdom and profound humility. The upside-down cross, in its proper context, stands as a testament to faith, sacrifice, and the legacy of one of Christianity’s most important figures.
