Online users notice Pope Leo wearing a cross from Russian Orthodox Church
Pope Leo wearing an award cross established by the Russian Tsar. Collage: UOJ
The new pontiff is wearing an award pectoral cross of the Russian Church, stated Archbishop Jonah of Obukhiv in a Facebook post, sharing photographic evidence.
“Pope Leo XIV is wearing the 'pectoral cross issued by the Holy Synod', established by Emperor Paul I in 1797 as a decoration for clergy ‘for outstanding merit.’ The inscription on the reverse is a paraphrase of 1 Timothy 4:12: ‘To the presbyter, an example to the faithful in word and life,’” the hierarch wrote, posting the corresponding photo.
Commenters noted that the cross is made of silver.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Vatican had stated it was too early to speak of a possible visit by Pope Leo to Ukraine.
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