“Communist Crucifix” on Pope: Its not an offense

Pope Francis has ended speculation on what he really thinks of the “communist crucifix” given to him by Bolivian president Evo Morales. Aboard the plane going to Rome, Pope Francis told journalists that he was not offended by it, adding he understood why it was made. The Pope said he looks at it from the designer’s point of view and thinks of it as protest art.

In an interview with America Magazine, Father Xavier Albo said Father Espinal played an important role in toppling a military dictatorship and bringing democracy to Bolivia. Father Albo, also a Jesuit priest, worked and shared a room with Espinal in the 1970s.

The cross, showing a crucified Christ attached to a hammer and sickle, was designed by Father Luis Espinal, a Jesuit priest killed by the Bolivian paramilitary in 1980.

Father Albo narrated that it was their hunger strike in 1977 that became the tipping point against the rule of the military government. Joined by several female miners, the two Jesuit priests started their strike on December 27 and quickly inspired thousands of people. Shortly thereafter, national elections commenced.

According to Father Albo, the paramilitary underestimated Father Espinal’s influence when they killed him. During his burial, more than 70,000 Bolivians came to mourn Father Espinal’s death.

In the same article, Rev. Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, said the crucifix was designed by Father Espinal to signify dialogue and commitment to freedom and progress for Bolivia.

In an interview with the Associated Press, Father Albo said Father Espinal designed the cross with a hammer and sickle with an intent to create a dialogue between the Church and Marxism and more importantly, for the Church to be in constant communication with the peasants and miners.

Upon his arrival at the country, Pope Francis prayed at the site where Father Espinal’s body was found