The cross: religious symbol or fashion statement? - During a 2018 speech at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, Pope Francis criticized those who wear crucifixes as fashion items. The pontiff labeled the practice as an "abuse" and added that the religious symbol should be "contemplated and understood" rather than commercialized as a trendy accessory. As reported in the UK's Independent newspaper, Pope Francis reminded his audience that "the crucifix is not an ornamental object or a clothing accessory," and explained how the cross should be perceived as more than just an aesthetic object.

To be clear, a crucifix is an image of Jesus on the cross, as distinct from a bare cross. Both, however, are popular fashion staples and are increasingly seen as more symbols of beauty than the Christian faith. So, is the cross becoming merely a fashion statement?

Click through the following gallery for a look at the cross and how it's worn.

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Cross or crucifix? -

A crucifix (from the Latin cruci fixus meaning "one fixed to a cross") is a image of Jesus on the cross. Its use as a symbol in fashion is less popular than a bare cross but, as this photograph of a crucifix on a model's leg illustrates, its form can be used in the most unorthodox fashion.

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The Christian cross -

The Christian cross is seen as a representation of the instrument of the crucifixion of Jesus, and is the best-known symbol of Christianity.

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Iconic image -

According to Christian Today, the cross is possibly the most iconic and prolific image in fashion, an icon even more famous than that of Nike's.

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Perplexing and remarkable -

Worn by young and old, yet ultimately referring to an instrument of death and torture, and an ancient religion with which many wearers feel no direct connection, the popularity of the Christian cross in fashion is both perplexing and remarkable, adds Christian Today.

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Globally-recognized symbol - This globally-recognized symbol of the Christian faith has been seized upon by the world's most celebrated fashion designers. It's incorporated into jewelry and reproduced on apparel. And it's always been favorite ink with those wishing to get a tattoo. So, who are the celebrities out there who wear crosses, either as a fashion or religious statement?

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Sharon Stone -

A cross hangs low over Sharon Stone as the actress arrives at Macy's Passport Presents: Glamorama 30th Anniversary event in Los Angeles in 2012.

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Madonna -

Madonna finds a rather unusual way of wearing her cross as she attends the 2013 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

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Sean Combs -

Sean "Diddy" Combs performs on stage in 2010 at the House of Blues Showboat Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. A pair of diamond encrusted crosses form part of his accessories.

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Rihanna -

Rihanna often wears a cross necklace. But on the occasion of the Los Angeles opening of Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour in Los Angeles, the singer chose to wear a studded black leather jacket patterned with cross symbols.

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George Michael (1963–2016) -

In 1988, George Michael supported his debut solo album 'Faith' with The Faith Tour, comprising 109 shows across 16 countries. The album cover featured his prominent earring cross, which he wore throughout the tour.

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Christina Aguilera -

A large and prominent cross necklace is among a number of other jewelry items worn by singer Christina Aguilera as she attends the 44th Annual Grammy Awards in 2002 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

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Rita Ora -

British singer Rita Ora wears three large and colorful cross symbols as jewelry during a visit to Tokyo in 2013.

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Katy Perry -

Katy Perry drips with religious symbolism, including a jeweled cross earring, at the 2013 Met Gala.

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Prince (1958–2016) -

Prince experimented a lot with symbolism throughout his career. His trademark love symbol, a mash-up of the gender symbols for man and woman, was also seen as a stylized cross.

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Spike Lee -

Film director Spike Lee photographed at the Venice Film Festival in 2012. His long cross necklace almost appears as if it's being worn by Michael Jackson!

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Amber Rose -

A sizable jeweled cross hangs below a diamond ear stud worn by model Amber Rose.

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Diane Keaton -

Known for a string of hit movies, including 'The Godfather' (1979), 'Annie Hall' (1977), and 'Something's Gotta Give' (2003), here Diane Keaton wears her cross conspicuously as part of a matching suit.

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50 Cent -

Rapper 50 Cent, a chunky jeweled cross hanging off his neck, arrives at the UK premiere of 'Get Rich or Die Tryin'' screened in London in 2006.

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Miley Cyrus -

A necklace cross and an earring cross are included in a ensemble of accessories worn by Miley Cyrus in this 2009 portrait.

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Dwayne Johnson -

Dressed in black and wearing a heavy chained cross, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is all smiles arriving to the 2005 MTV Movie Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

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Jessica Alba -

Actress Jessica Alba arrives at a 2005 Keep a Child Alive fundraiser event at New York's Lincoln Center wearing diamond and silver jewelry, which includes a large cross.

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Lionel Richie -

One of the world's best-selling artists of all time, Lionel Richie gives a thumbs up at the 2013 'John Varvatos: Rock in Fashion' book launch celebration held in Los Angeles. The chain fastening his solid gold cross also holds a ring.

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Claudia Schiffer -

Supermodel Claudia Schiffer wears a black quilted leather vest, black chaps, and belt, all with gold studs, and a cream ribbed knit turtleneck cashmere sweater, rounded off with matching cross in this 1992 fashion shoot for Vogue magazine.

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Missy Elliott -

A silver cross hangs below the broad smile of rapper Missy Elliott as she poses for a photo backstage of MTV's Total Request Live in 2006, at the MTV Times Square studio in New York City.

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Kid Rock -

With a music style alternating between rock, hip hop, country, and heavy metal, it's hard to label Kid Rock. But there's no mistaking the elaborate cross lying over his chest.

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Steven Tyler -

Aerosmith vocalist Steven Tyler sports a cross and what looks like animal teeth around his neck on stage in Italy in 2010.

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David Beckham -

The former soccer star scores twice with a pair of diamond crosses spotted around his neck as he arrives at the 2003 MTV Movie Awards in Los Angeles.

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Al Pacino -

Simply dressed and wearing a chest-level rosary, Al Pacino attends the New York premiere of 'Righteous Kill' at the city's Ziegfeld Theater in 2008.

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Alyssa Milano -

Alyssa Milano has a permanent rosary on her back. But here's the thing: Pope Francis has expressed his approval of tattoos, and is not opposed to self-expression via what he calls subversive trends. "Don't be afraid of tattoos," he said, adding that Christians have been getting tattoos on their bodies for centuries as markers of their allegiance to the faith. "A tattoo is a sign of belonging."

Source: (Independent) (Christian Today)

See also: Quiz: can you guess the celebrity by their tattoo?

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