What Do the Crossed Keys on the Vatican Flag Mean?
Symbolism of the Vatican’s crossed keys
GM quizzers! 👋 “Habemus papam” — “We have a Pope.” With all the recent buzz around the election of Pope Leo XIV, following the passing of Pope Francis, it’s a perfect time to take a quick look at some of the symbols that reflect the Pope’s unique role.
This quiz question zooms in on one of the most iconic images linked to the Pope and the Vatican: the crossed keys on the Vatican flag.
Question: On the Vatican flag, what do Saint Peter’s crossed keys represent?
a) Power balance: Pope vs Roman Empire
b) Pope’s authority in heaven and on earth
c) Keys to the gates of Vatican City
d) Unity of Catholic and Orthodox Churches
Answer: b) Pope’s authority in heaven and on earth
The gold key symbolises spiritual authority, the power to “bind and loose in heaven”, meaning the Pope can make decisions about what the Church teaches spiritually.
The silver key represents earthly authority, the power to “bind and loose on earth”, meaning the Pope can make practical rules and guide how the Church is run.
* Bind and loose is an old phrase meaning the authority to make rules that either bind (restrict) or loose (allow) certain actions.
* Jesus gave this authority to Peter (and, by extension, to the papacy).
🇻🇦 More to the Flag Than You Might Think
Colours: Yellow (gold) and white (vertical bands)
Symbols:
– The white band features the Crossed Keys of Saint Peter, bound by a red cord symbolising the unity of spiritual and temporal power.
– The Papal Tiara (triple crown) represents the Pope’s threefold authority: spiritual leader, supreme teacher, and sovereign ruler.
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