Pope Leo XIV's pectoral cross contains a relic of St. Leo the Great
Pope Leo XIV venerates the pectoral cross reliquary
By Tiziana Campisi and Christopher WellsAlmost 16 centuries ago, the first Pope to bear the name Leo promoted the unity of the Church, highlighted the primacy of the Bishop of Rome, defined the doctrine of the Incarnation, composed some of the most beautiful prayers of the Roman Missal, and earned for himself the epithet 'the Great.'
On May 8, the day of his election to the papacy, the new Pope Leo XIV received a silver pectoral cross donated by the Circolo San Pietro , containing relics of his illustrious predecessor, along with relics of St. Augustine of Hippo and Augustinian bishops St. Thomas of Villanova and Blessed Anselmo Polanco.
The Circolo San Pietro was founded in Rome in 1869 by a group of young people at the urging of Blessed Pope Pius IX, who entrusted them with their initial charitable duty of providing meals for the poor.
The idea of the Custode of the Apostolic Sanctuary
The idea of having a new 'reliquary' cross made for Pope Leo XIV was the inspiration of Father Bruno Silvestrini, OSA, Custode del Sacrario Apostolico (Guardian of the Apostolic Sanctuary), and a member of the Augustinian community attached to the Pontifical Sacristy.
Picking up on his Augustinian confrere's desire to entrust himself to the protection and guidance of Pope Leo the Great, Fr. Silvestrini turned to expert Antonino Cottone, who had already made five reliquaries using traditional medieval techniques.
Mr. Cottone created the pectoral cross reliquary, which was donated to Pope Leo by the Augustinian General Curia on the day he was created Cardinal, on 30 September 2023.
A painstaking task
It took the expert only two hours to create, with painstaking precision and passionate dedication, a new small cross with gilded paper filigrees ( paperoles ) on red moiré ('watered silk', a textile whose appearance simulates the grain of wood or marble, producing an iridescent effect), where 4 tiny paper flowers held the relics of the 4 illustrious pastors of the Church.
Mr. Cottone skillfully rolled, shaped, and glued tiny strips of paper to create a series of decorative elements between which he then inserted the precious fragments of the 'holy bones.'
Cross presented to Leo XIV
When he had finished his work, the artisan placed the 'reliquary cross' inside the papal pectoral cross and presented it to Pope Leo XIV by placing it around his neck.
The Pope joyfully received the pectoral cross enriched with the relics of four bishops particularly dear to him.--Vatican News
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Herald Malaysia
11 hours ago
- Herald Malaysia
Church mourns deaths in Bangladesh military plane crash
In Bangladesh, grief and shock gripped the capital, Dhaka, after a military jet crashed into Milestone School and College on July 21, killing at least 31 and injuring more than 170. Aug 01, 2025 Students hold placards and pictures of a victim as they protest July 22, 2025, demanding the actual number of the death toll after an air force training aircraft crashed into a building belonging to Milestone School and College in Dhaka, Bangladesh July 21. (OSV News/Reuters/Mohammad Ponir Hossain DHAKA: In Bangladesh, grief and shock gripped the capital, Dhaka, after a military jet crashed into Milestone School and College on July 21, killing at least 31 and injuring more than 170. Most of the victims were students who were just leaving class when the F-7 fighter slammed into the building, sparking a deadly fire. Pope Leo XIV said he was 'deeply saddened' to learn of 'the loss of life' caused by the air force jet crash in Bangladesh. The Pope said in a July 22 telegram that he 'entrusts the deceased to the merciful love of the Almighty' and was also 'praying that their families and friends may be consoled in their grief, and for the healing and comfort of the injured.' The telegram, signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State, said, 'The Holy Father invokes upon the entire school community, and all affected by this tragedy, the divine blessings of peace and strength.' After the crash, a portion of the school caught fire, killing dozens. Of the more than 170 injured, at least 76 people were undergoing treatment in various hospitals in Dhaka, local health authorities said. A sense of grief and desperation engulfed Dhaka's Uttara district as anguished families searched desperately for their loved ones. Parents rushed between the crash site, hospitals and morgues in a frantic attempt to locate their children, the paper said. In a July 22 letter to the Bangladesh government, Archbishop Kevin Randall, apostolic nuncio to Dhaka, expressed 'profound sorrow' upon learning of the tragic plane crash, which resulted 'in the loss of precious lives, the majority of whom were children, and injury to others.' The nuncio offered his condolences to 'the bereaved families and to the entire nation,' offering 'prayers and spiritual closeness.' 'May the Almighty grant eternal rest to the departed, especially the young lives so suddenly taken, healing to the injured, and strength and consolation to all who are affected by this painful tragedy,' Archbishop Randall said. One of the parents, who was on his way to pick up his child from school when the plane crashed, said that luckily, he found his child unharmed. Sharif Ahmed said that it was 'a terrifying moment' that he 'cannot express in words.' 'Children were coming out of the school with their bodies on fire, crying all around, parents were running around like crazy. I was also looking for my son. But when I found my son unharmed, he was silent for at least 10 minutes, unable to say anything out of fear,' said Ahmed. The Bangladesh bishops' conference also expressed condolences in a statement, urging the government to provide full support for the treatment of the injured and those who lost loved ones. Bishop Ponen Paul Kubi, the conference's secretary general, called for prayers and urged authorities to take measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Hundreds of students protested on July 22 near the site of the crash demanding accountability, compensation for victims' families and the halt of training flights. --OSV
Herald Malaysia
11 hours ago
- Herald Malaysia
Church affirms deaf inclusion at Jubilee 2025 in Bangkok
St Louis Church in Bangkok recently hosted a special 'Open House' event for deaf and hard-of-hearing Catholics in celebration of the Church's Jubilee 2025 theme: Pilgrims of Hope. Attendees came from Bangkok and neighbouring provinces, marking a significant step toward greater inclusion and accessibility for a long-overlooked community within the Church. Aug 01, 2025 Narong Thanomlek (left), Yindee Poonvithayakij (centre), and a fellow attendee flash the 'I love you' sign during the Jubilee 2025 Open House for Deaf Catholics in Bangkok. (LiCAS News photo) BANGKOK: St Louis Church in Bangkok recently hosted a special 'Open House' event for deaf and hard-of-hearing Catholics in celebration of the Church's Jubilee 2025 theme: Pilgrims of Hope. Attendees came from Bangkok and neighbouring provinces, marking a significant step toward greater inclusion and accessibility for a long-overlooked community within the Church. Fr Peter Bhuravaj Searaariyah, chaplain of the Deaf Catholic Association of Thailand and national coordinator for Deaf Ministry, emphasised that the event was both a celebration and a necessary pastoral response to the deep isolation many deaf Catholics experience. He noted that religious communication barriers often leave them feeling unseen, particularly during services where traditional liturgy excludes non-hearing members. 'By bringing them together,' Fr Peter said, 'they experience the support of community and the love of God in a language they understand.' Fr Peter has been leading efforts to make Catholic life more accessible, including Bible sharing, retreats, sign language interpretation, and even developing a visual 'picture language' version of the Bible. However, significant challenges remain. Only two of Thailand's eleven dioceses offer real support for deaf Catholics, and there are just two trained sign language teachers nationwide, with two more in training. Narong Thanomlek, the first Catholic graduate with a degree in Sign Language Teaching from the Princess Sirindhorn Institute, highlighted the unique challenges of religious ministry in sign language. He explained that sign languages differ by country and require facial expressions and body movement — elements often missing from traditional Church practices. The event also spotlighted powerful personal stories. Yindee Poonvithayakij, who lost her hearing at 12, recalled a traumatic moment when a priest rejected her written confession. For decades, she felt cut off from her faith. Now, she volunteers with joy, finding healing through community. Many deaf Catholics have stopped attending Mass due to the inability to understand or participate. Fr Peter stressed that this spiritual exclusion must be addressed, especially as the community prepares for the upcoming Asian Deaf Catholic Congress in Korea. He hopes participants will return with renewed faith and help Church leaders better grasp their needs. He also noted the struggles of deaf children growing up in families where no one speaks sign language, limiting both communication and faith formation. Yet signs of hope are emerging. Some non-Catholics, drawn by the Church's increasing inclusivity, are exploring conversion. One participant expressed newfound joy after joining the group, saying they no longer feel invisible. For many, St Louis Church and its Holy Spirit Chapel have become places of spiritual refuge, offering sign language Mass, confession, and community tailored to their needs. In this Jubilee Year, Thailand's deaf Catholics are making their message clear: they are not forgotten — they are pilgrims of hope, proclaiming a Gospel felt through heart and hand. --LiCAS News
Herald Malaysia
12 hours ago
- Herald Malaysia
Sealed with the spirit: A day to remember
On Saturday, July 12, the Church of St Francis of Assisi was filled with joy and celebration as 41 young people received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Aug 01, 2025 Confirmands kneeling in silence as Archbishop Julian prays over them. By Claudia Sze Lim Ak SalvestiorOn Saturday, July 12, the Church of St Francis of Assisi was filled with joy and celebration as 41 young people received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Surrounded by their families, catechists, and parishioners, they were sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit in a Mass that was more than just a ceremony — it was a powerful reminder of faith, love, and the unity we share as one Church. Archbishop Julian Leow led the celebration with warmth and fatherly care, joined by our parish priest, Fr Paul Cheong, OFM Cap, who had faithfully guided us confirmands throughout our journey. During his homily, the archbishop didn't just speak — he connected. His message was clear and heartfelt: never lose sight of your faith, because God walks with you through every step, every struggle, and every joy. You could feel his love in every word, and many of us were moved in ways that words can't fully capture. As one of the confirmands, standing at the front, I felt a mix of nerves, awe and peace. Some of us were quiet while others a little shaky but all of us were present in that sacred moment. When the chrism oil touched our foreheads and we heard the words 'Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit,' it felt like more than a blessing. It felt like a promise that will walk with us for the rest of our lives. However, this day wasn't just about us. Parents wiped away quiet tears as they recalled the memories of baptisms and First Holy Communions of their child. Catechists watched with pride, seeing the seeds of faith they had once planted now begin to bloom. Parishioners bowed their heads in prayer, knowing these young hearts had now been strengthened to stand as soldiers of Christ. As the final hymn ended, something beautiful lingered in the air. It wasn't just joy or celebration but hope. In a world that often feels divided, this day reminded us that faith still brings people together. As one of the 41 who were confirmed, I know we're not meant to walk this path alone. Together, uplifted and united by our Church family, we go forward to carry Christ's light into the world.
