The crossed keys are a traditional symbol of the papacy, representing the "keys of the kingdom of heaven" given by Jesus to St. Peter, who is considered the first Pope. The symbolism comes directly from the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 16, Verse 19:
> "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
Here's a breakdown of the key elements of the symbolism:
* St. Peter: The Catholic Church teaches that Peter was appointed by Jesus to lead the Church. He's therefore seen as the first pope, and all subsequent popes are considered his successors.
* Keys of the Kingdom: The "keys" are not literal objects, but symbolize authority and power. They represent the pope's power to:
* Bind and Loose: To make decisions, establish rules, and pronounce judgments on matters of faith and morals.
* Grant Forgiveness: Through sacraments like confession, the pope and priests (acting under his authority) can forgive sins.
* Open the Gates of Heaven: Implies the power to lead the faithful to salvation.
* The Crossed Keys: Typically, the keys are depicted as one gold and one silver.
* Gold Key: Represents spiritual power.
* Silver Key: Represents temporal (earthly) power.
The crossed arrangement underscores the union of these powers, though the spiritual power is considered pre-eminent.
In summary, the crossed keys are a visual representation of the Pope's authority, derived from St. Peter, as the leader of the Catholic Church and the Vicar of Christ on Earth.