The Cross of Saint Peter or Petrine Cross is an inverted Latin cross associated with the martyrdom of Peter the Apostle. The symbol originates from the Catholic tradition that when sentenced to death Peter requested that his cross be upside down as he felt unworthy of being crucified in the manner as Jesus. The Petrine Cross is also associated with the papacy reflecting the Catholic belief that the Pope is the successor of Peter as Bishop of Rome. Despite this tradition it has in recent years been appropriated as a anti-Christian symbol and is often seen as such in popular culture and horror movies.
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