The upside down cross, often referred to as the Cross of St. Peter, is a symbol that carries deep historical and religious significance within Christianity. However, in contemporary culture, it is sometimes mistakenly associated with satanic or anti-Christian sentiments. This article aims to clarify the true meaning of the Cross of St. Peter, exploring its origins, historical context, and its rightful place as a symbol of Christian faith and humility.
The origin of the Cross of St. Peter is rooted in the martyrdom of Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and considered the first Pope in the Catholic tradition. Historical accounts and Church tradition tell us that Peter was crucified in Rome under the reign of Emperor Nero. However, feeling unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus Christ, he requested to be crucified upside down. This act of humility and reverence for Christ is the foundation upon which the symbol of the Cross of St. Peter is built.
Biblical Roots: Jesus’ Prophecy and Peter’s Fate
The New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the Gospel of John, hints at the manner of Peter’s death. In John 21:18-19, Jesus says to Peter:
“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.” (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, “Follow me.”
The phrase “stretch out your hands” has been interpreted within Christian tradition, particularly in the early Church, as a clear reference to crucifixion. Jesus’ words, “Follow me,” are understood as a call for Peter to imitate Christ’s sacrifice, even to the point of death on a cross. This passage is seen as a prophecy of Peter’s martyrdom, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice he would make for his faith.
Historical Testimony: Early Church Fathers on St. Peter’s Crucifixion
The historical record of St. Peter’s upside-down crucifixion is not solely based on biblical interpretation. Some of the earliest Christian writers outside of the Bible also documented this event, providing further evidence for the tradition. These early Church Fathers, writing in the centuries immediately following the apostles, offer valuable insights into the beliefs and practices of the early Christian community.
Tertullian, writing around 200 AD, stated in De Præscriptione 36:
…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, Tertullian further wrote around 204 AD:
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 written around 325 AD, 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…. 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.
These early writings, along with others from Origen, Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, and Irenaeus, consistently point to the understanding that St. Peter was indeed crucified, and that the tradition of him being crucified upside down was well-established in the early Church.
A Symbol of Humility: Why Upside Down?
The key to understanding the Cross of St. Peter lies in recognizing its symbolism of humility. Peter’s request to be crucified upside down was not a rejection of Christ’s sacrifice, but rather a profound expression of his own unworthiness in comparison to Jesus. He felt it would be presumptuous to be crucified in the same manner as his Lord. This act of humility is central to the meaning of the upside down cross. It is a visual representation of Peter’s deep reverence and respect for Jesus Christ.
Debunking Myths: The Cross of St. Peter is Not Satanic
Despite its Christian origins and clear symbolism of humility, the upside down cross is sometimes misinterpreted as a satanic symbol. This misconception likely stems from a general misunderstanding of Christian symbols and a tendency to invert or oppose traditional Christian imagery in satanic contexts. However, within Christianity, and particularly within the Catholic Church, the upside down cross has never been associated with Satanism.
The use of an inverted cross in some anti-Christian or satanic imagery is a deliberate subversion of Christian symbolism. However, this inverted usage is a distortion and misrepresentation of the Cross of St. Peter’s true meaning. The Cross of St. Peter, in its proper context, is a powerful symbol of Christian faith, humility, and the legacy of Saint Peter.
The Cross of St. Peter and the Papacy: A Symbol of Succession
Because of St. Peter’s role as the first Pope, the upside down cross has become associated with the Papacy and the Catholic Church. The Pope, as the successor of St. Peter, sometimes uses the Cross of St. Peter as a symbol of this succession and as a reminder of St. Peter’s humility and martyrdom. It appears on Papal vestments, chairs, and other symbols of the Papacy.
In conclusion, the Cross of St. Peter is a significant Christian symbol representing the humility and martyrdom of Saint Peter. It is rooted in historical accounts and early Christian tradition, and its meaning is centered on reverence for Jesus Christ, not Satanism. Understanding the true context of the Cross of St. Peter is essential to appreciating its rich history and its rightful place within Christian symbolism.
