The image of an upside down cross often sparks curiosity and sometimes, misinterpretation. Far from being a symbol of negativity, especially within a religious context, the inverted cross holds deep historical and spiritual significance, particularly when understood as the Cross Of Saint Peter. This unique symbol is directly linked to one of the most important figures in Christian history, and understanding its origins reveals a powerful message of humility and faith.
To truly grasp the meaning of the cross of Saint Peter, we need to journey back to the early days of Christianity and the martyrdom of Saint Peter himself. Tradition holds that Saint Peter, considered the first Pope and a key apostle of Jesus Christ, met his end in Rome through crucifixion. However, feeling unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus, he requested to be crucified upside down. This act of profound humility is the foundation for the symbolism of the inverted cross.
Alt text: Close-up detail of the Papal emblem featuring the Keys of Heaven crossed beneath an upside-down cross atop St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, symbolizing Saint Peter’s authority and martyrdom.
The Gospel of John subtly hints at the manner of Peter’s death, referencing Jesus’ words: “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.” (John 21:18-19). The phrase “stretch out your hands” was widely understood in the ancient world, particularly within Christian circles, as a clear allusion to crucifixion. Furthermore, Jesus’ command, “Follow me,” strongly suggests that Peter would emulate Christ’s sacrifice, even in the manner of his death.
Historical accounts from the earliest Christian writers corroborate the tradition of Peter’s upside-down crucifixion. These early sources provide compelling evidence that this understanding of Peter’s martyrdom was prevalent very early in Christian history.
Tertullian, writing around 200 AD, stated in De Præscriptione that in Rome, “Peter has emulated the Passion of the Lord.” He further reinforces this in Scorpiace, mentioning, “Then is Peter girt by another, when he is made fast to the cross.” These writings, dating back to the early third century, offer significant testimony to the understanding of Peter’s crucifixion in the early Church.
Eusebius of Caesarea, in his Ecclesiastical History written in the 4th century, directly states, “Peter appears to have preached…and at last, having come to Rome, he was crucified head-downwards; for he had requested that he might suffer in this way.” Eusebius cites Origen, an even earlier Christian scholar, as his source for this information, tracing the tradition back further. He also notes the historical reality of Nero’s persecution and the martyrdom of both Peter and Paul in Rome, evidenced by their memorials in the city.
Alt text: Pope Francis kneeling in prayer at the tomb of Saint Peter beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, highlighting the sacredness of the site and the Papacy’s connection to St. Peter.
Because of this historical account and the powerful symbolism of humility, the Church has long used the upside down cross as a symbol specifically associated with Saint Peter. It is crucial to distinguish this from an upside down crucifix, which inverts the image of Christ’s sacrifice and can carry a very different, even blasphemous meaning. The cross of Saint Peter, typically depicted without the body of Christ (corpus), is not about inversion or subversion.
The Pope, as the successor of Saint Peter, rightfully employs the cross of Saint Peter as a poignant symbol. It serves as a constant reminder of St. Peter’s profound humility, his unwavering faith, and his ultimate martyrdom. It is a symbol of leadership through service, echoing Peter’s own willingness to follow Christ even unto death, and in a manner he deemed less worthy than his Savior. Therefore, the cross of Saint Peter is not a symbol of evil or anti-Christian sentiment. Instead, it stands as a powerful testament to the humility and sacrifice of one of Christianity’s most revered figures.
