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.

Read also

DESS: Ramadan is a time of special closeness to the Almighty

DESS congratulated Ukraine’s Muslims on the beginning of Ramadan.

Jehovah’s witness pastor sentenced in Lviv region for refusing TRC service

A court in Lviv region sentenced a Jehovah’s Witness pastor to five years in prison for unauthorized absence from his unit and for refusing to serve as a TRC cook.

Orthodox Church in America raises $700,000 for Ukrainians in Poland

An OCA representative met with Metropolitan Sava and discussed humanitarian support for Ukrainian refugees in Poland.

Hollywood Catholic actors remind of the spiritual meaning of Great Lent

Mark Wahlberg i Jonathan Roumie recorded a video message calling for prayer at the beginning of Great Lent.

MP Huz discusses seizure of UOC monastery in Myltsi with Volyn RMA head

Huz demanded that the authorities "resolve the situation" with the St. Nicholas Monastery of the Volodymyr-Volynsky Eparchy of the UOC.

Lviv authorities to allocate UAH 300,000 for UGCC church damaged by shelling

The Lviv City Council will finance the restoration of stained glass windows of the Uniate church after damage sustained as a result of a missile strike.