The upside down cross, also known as the inverted cross or the Cross of St. Peter, is a symbol that often sparks curiosity and, sometimes, misunderstanding. Contrary to popular misconceptions, particularly in certain anti-Catholic circles, this symbol is not satanic. Instead, it holds deep historical and religious significance within Christianity, specifically within the Catholic tradition. It is intimately linked to St. Peter, one of Jesus Christ’s apostles and the first Pope, representing humility and martyrdom rather than any form of evil or antichrist sentiment. Understanding the true meaning of the upside down cross requires delving into the history of St. Peter and the early Church.
The origin of the upside down cross stems from the martyrdom of St. Peter. According to tradition, Peter was sentenced to crucifixion in Rome under Emperor Nero. However, feeling unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus Christ, he requested to be crucified upside down. This act of humility, choosing a more difficult and arguably more shameful form of execution, became a powerful testament to Peter’s deep faith and reverence for Christ. This account of Peter’s request and upside down crucifixion has been passed down through generations of Christian writings and traditions.
The New Testament itself, in the Gospel of John, hints at the manner of Peter’s death. In John 21:18-19, Jesus says to Peter:
“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.” (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, “Follow me.”
The phrase “stretch out your hands” was widely understood in the ancient world, especially within early Christian circles, as a clear reference to crucifixion. Jesus’s words, “Follow me,” further suggest that Peter’s death would be in imitation of Christ’s own sacrificial death on the cross. While the Gospel of John doesn’t explicitly state “upside down crucifixion,” it lays the groundwork for understanding Peter’s martyrdom as a profound act of discipleship and glorification of God.
Beyond biblical scripture, the historical record from early Church Fathers provides further evidence for the tradition of St. Peter’s upside down crucifixion. These early Christian writers, living in the centuries immediately following the apostles, offer invaluable insights into the beliefs and practices of the early Church. Tertullian, writing around 200 AD, in his work De Præscriptione, stated that in Rome, “Peter has emulated the Passion of the Lord.” He further elaborated on Peter’s crucifixion in Scorpiace, referencing the public records in Rome, stating, “Then is Peter girt by another, when he is made fast to the cross.”
Eusebius of Caesarea, a renowned Church historian writing in the early 4th century, also recounts the tradition in his Ecclesiastical History. He explicitly mentions Origen’s account that Peter, upon arriving in Rome, “was crucified head-downwards; for he had requested that he might suffer in this way.” Eusebius affirms the martyrdoms of both Peter and Paul under Nero, solidifying the historical understanding of Peter’s crucifixion, specifically in the upside down manner he requested. These testimonies from Tertullian and Eusebius, among others like Clement of Rome and Ignatius of Antioch, demonstrate a consistent and early Christian understanding of St. Peter’s martyrdom and his request for upside down crucifixion.
As a result of this historical tradition, the upside down cross became a symbol associated with St. Peter. The Catholic Church, recognizing Peter as the first Pope and the foundation upon which the Church was built, adopted the upside down cross (typically without the corpus, making it a cross and not a crucifix) as a symbol representing St. Peter and, by extension, the Papacy. The Pope, as the successor of St. Peter, often uses the upside down cross as an emblem of his office, not as a sign of Satanism, but as a reminder of St. Peter’s humility, his willingness to suffer for his faith, and his ultimate martyrdom.
Therefore, the assertion that the upside down cross is a satanic symbol is a misinterpretation rooted in a lack of understanding of Christian history and symbolism. For Catholics and many other Christians, the upside down cross is a powerful symbol of humility, selflessness, and the ultimate sacrifice made by St. Peter. It stands as a testament to his unwavering faith and his desire to emulate Christ, even in death, albeit in a manner he deemed less worthy. The symbol serves as a reminder of the early Church’s foundations and the enduring legacy of St. Peter, the first Pope. It is a symbol of faith and martyrdom, not of opposition to Christianity.
