While the cross — an ancient sign of Christ’s sacrifice — has long been part of Catholic tradition, its presence in mainstream fashion and politics has recently taken on new visibility. For Catholics, this trend raises both opportunity and caution: a chance to express the faith proudly, but also a reminder to ensure the cross is never reduced to a mere accessory.
According to a report by The New York Times, cross necklaces are showing up everywhere — from red carpets to press rooms in the White House. Singer Chappell Roan wore an oversized cross at the MTV Video Music Awards, while actress Sabrina Carpenter included one in her music video for “Please Please Please.” Meanwhile, popular retailers like Ssense, Kendra Scott, and Zales carry dozens of cross necklace designs, reflecting their growing appeal.
The cross is “not a complicated symbol,” said Lucy Collins, assistant professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, in the report. “It clearly represents Christianity.” Yet she acknowledged that in today’s polarized climate, “Christianity is much more complicated.”
Catholics understand that the cross is not a fashion statement — it is a sign of hope, of redemption, and of the immense love of God poured out through Jesus Christ. As Pope St. John Paul II once said, “Do not be afraid to be the saints of the new millennium.” For many young Catholics, wearing a cross is a quiet way to answer that call.
“I like to see the cross worn by people who have Christian values and who treat people how the Bible tells us to,” said Riley White, a 24-year-old content creator and personal trainer in Birmingham, Alabama. But she expressed concern that, for some public figures, the symbol may be used more as a political emblem than a witness to Christ. “It can be hard seeing people wear a cross and hearing how they speak about people in a way that doesn’t necessarily align with Christian values.”
And yet, there are also signs of genuine devotion. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who frequently wears a large cross necklace during briefings, told The Times, “I wear the cross because it serves as a reminder of the strength that can only be found through faith.” Attorney General Pam Bondi added that her necklaces are a reflection of her “strong Christian upbringing,” saying, “My faith is very important to me. It is what gets me through each day.”
The cross, once a symbol of Roman cruelty, became the greatest sign of God’s mercy. As theologian Robert Covolo explained in the article, the cross “was a symbol of the Roman Empire asserting its power with impunity.” But after Christ’s Passion, Christians began using the cross as a sign of their religion, and by the 5th century, it had already become a common part of daily jewelry.
For Catholics today, wearing the cross can serve as a personal reminder to follow Christ, especially in a secularized culture. Ms. Salerno and others point out that this small act can spark connection with others. Sage Mills, a student at the University of Oklahoma who posts Christian content on TikTok, said, “It’s the easiest way to know that I have shared beliefs with people.”
In a time when Catholic identity is often challenged or misunderstood, wearing a cross — with reverence and integrity — offers a public witness of faith. “Symbols really get their power,” Covolo explained, “because people bring their own meaning to them.” For Catholics, the meaning is clear: the cross is a sign of salvation, not a statement of style.
As this visible sign of Christianity finds renewed popularity, the faithful are reminded to wear it not only on their necks, but in their lives — through prayer, virtue, and love for others.
