Pope Francis says it's 'abuse' to wear crucifixes as accessories

'The crucifix is not an ornamental object'

Pope Francis has criticised those who wear crucifixes as fashion items, labelling it “abuse” in a recent speech.

Speaking at St Peter’s Square in the Vatican after a Sunday Angelus service, the 81-year-old said the religious symbol should be “contemplated and understood” rather than commercialised as a trendy accessory.

“The crucifix is not an ornamental object or a clothing accessory which is sometimes abused,” he said.

"The image of Jesus crucified reveals the mystery of the death of the Son as the supreme act of love, the source of life and salvation for humanity of all times."

The Pope went on to explain how the cross should be perceived as more than just an aesthetic object, reminding listeners of its potent religious meaning by explaining what it means to him.

"How do I look at the crucifix?” he said, “like a work of art, to see if it's beautiful or not beautiful?

"Or do I look inside, within the wounds of Jesus up to his heart?

"I look at the mystery of God annihilated to death, like a slave, like a criminal.

"Jesus wants to make it clear that his extreme affair – that is, the cross, death and resurrection – is an act of fruitfulness.

"His wounds have healed us – a fruitfulness that will bear fruit for many."

Despite Pope Francis’ comments, the crucifix has been a popular sartorial staple for years, with the likes of Madonna, Jennifer Aniston and Naomi Campbell all sporting cross jewellery in the past, typically in the name of style rather than religion.

Madonna pictured wearing crucifix-inspired earrings (SWNS)

Controversies surrounding the growing trend came to a head in 2002, when Pope John Paul II was leader of the Catholic Church.

After noticing a rise in the crucifix’ sartorial popularity, the Vatican released a sternly-worded editorial via Fides, a charity organisation based in the Vatican, that denounced media personalities for wearing crosses as accessories, describing the trend as “the mania of the moment”.

However, just because Pope Francis disapproves of the crucifix being merchandised for sartorial gain does not mean that he’s opposed to self-expression via subversive trends.

Speaking to a group of young students in Rome on Monday, the Pope expressed his approval of tattoos, telling listeners: “Don’t be afraid of tattoos,” adding that Christians have been getting tattoos on their foreheads for centuries as markers of their allegiance to the faith.

"Of course, there can be exaggerations," he added, "but a tattoo is a sign of belonging," he said.