The cross is a sign of God's love for humankind and not just an emblem of Christianity or a piece of jewellery to display, Pope Francis said.
The cross is a symbol of "the power of God who made himself sin to heal us," and its significance can be lost due to a lack of faith in its saving power or the desire to show off, the Pope said on April 4 during his morning Mass at the Domus Sanctae Marthae.
"For some people it is a membership badge: 'Yes, I carry the cross to show that I am a Christian.' That is good, but it isn't just a badge as if you were part of a team -- a team logo -- but a reminder of the one who made himself sin," the Pope said.
