Papal Cross

Papal Cross Early

Papal Cross

A cross with three transoms, one at the midpoint of the vertical, one smaller above and the smallest above the last. The earlier Papal Cross, also consisted of three transoms, but with two small ones on either side of a  larger one at midpoint.

The three transoms represent the Pope's triple role as Bishop of Rome, Patriarch of the West, and successor of  St Peter, Chief of the Apostles