Papal cross
A modification of the Latin cross, with three horizontal beams, transoms, or crossbars. The horizontal elements represent the pope’s threefold rule as highest priest, highest teacher, and chief shepherd. They also symbolize the idea that the pope, as Christ’s representative on earth, is the co-ruler of the three kingdoms: heaven, earth, and hell. When used as an entry sign is known as the Western triple cross. Also known as papal, cross of the pope, or Western triple cross. Photo from Easton, Pennsylvania, 2023. (Kremer, 2023)