Pope Francis has presented fragments of the True Cross on which Jesus was crucified to form part of a new processional cross that will be used at the coronation of Britain's King Charles in May, according to Reuters.
The Cross
The new cross is made from recycled silver, paired with Welsh slate and reclaimed wood. It was a gift from the king to the Church in Wales to mark its centenary in 2020. It will lead the coronation procession at Westminster Abbey in London on May 6.
The cross also features two small shards from the relic that have been shaped into a cross behind a rose crystal gemstone. It is the personal gift of Pope Francis to His Majesty The King to mark the coronation.
After the coronation, the cross will be shared between the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches in Wales.
The design is said to speak to the Christian faith, heritage, resources, and commitment to sustainability.
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The Duty of the Pope
The Pope, as leader of the Catholic Church, has a duty to promote the faith and its relics, while the King's coronation represents a new era of leadership in his kingdom.
The shards of Christ's cross are said to hold great spiritual significance, as they serve as a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus for the salvation of humanity. The gift of these relics to King Charles is seen as a sign of the Pope's support for the new monarch and a blessing for his reign.
The Pope's gift of the shards of Christ's cross is also a reminder of the long and complex history of the relationship between the Catholic Church and European monarchies. For centuries, the Church played a crucial role in the coronation of kings and queens, and the presentation of holy relics was often a part of these ceremonies.
While the role of the Church in politics has diminished in recent years, the gift of the shards of Christ's cross is a reminder that religion and politics are still intertwined in many ways. It is also a reminder that the spiritual and the secular can work together to create a more just and compassionate society.
Overall, the gift of the shards of Christ's cross to King Charles is a momentous occasion that highlights the enduring importance of faith and tradition in modern society. As the world continues to evolve and change, it is important to remember the values and beliefs that have shaped our history and continue to guide us into the future.
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