Cardinal Bellini’s Cross
The Making of Conclave
This cross, with its unusual shape, is inspired by the typical Giottesque design of Franciscan crucifixes.
At the center, resting on a beam of light, we find the symbol of the pelican with its young.
An ancient legend tells that if the chicks were to die of hunger, the pelican would open its breast and keep them alive by feeding them with its own body.
For this reason, Christians have adopted this animal as a symbol of Christ, the Redeemer who sacrifices himself to give eternal life to humanity, freeing it from sin, and nourishes it with his own body in the Eucharistic rite.
The pelican has thus become a symbol of piety, love, and charity for one’s neighbor.
On the back of the cross is engraved the phrase in Latin:
PIE PELLICANE, JESU DOMINE, ME IMMUNDUM MUNDA TUO SANGUINE
“Pious pelican, Lord Jesus, cleanse me, unclean, with your blood”
The piece was worn by Stanley Tucci.
