In the Catholic Church, there are many different depictions and variations of the cross on which Jesus Christ died. Listed here are some of the more common types of crucifixes and crosses found in religious artwork and sacramentals (like Rosaries and necklaces).

"Latin" or "Christian"

This is the basic crucifix or cross. The term "Latin" and "Christian" differentiates it from the symmetrical crosses used as symbols in non-Christian imagery: the crossbeams are offset higher as in the crosses used by the Romans for crucifixions, and, on which Jesus died.

"Celtic"

The basic design consists of an encircled Latin cross. Some embellishments include interlacing patterns or triquetras (an Irish symbol representing the Trinity). Legend has it that St. Patrick propagated this image by combining the Latin cross with the sun cross, a symbol common among the pagan Irish.

"Papal" or "Bent Log"

Popularized by Pope Paul VI and used by each pontiff succeeding him, the rudimentary-looking crucifix that appears on the papal staff features a bent log as its crossbeam, which symbolizes the immense weight of our sins that Jesus took to the cross with Him.

"St. Benedict Medal"

These crucifixes have the symbol-laden St. Benedict medal embedded into it. The medal is inscribed with an exorcism prayer in Latin that fends off the devil. It is also given to the dying to bring peace and happiness in their hour of death.

"San Damiano"

This is the cross to which St. Francis of Assisi was praying when the Lord told him to rebuild the Church. Franciscans use this cross as the symbol of their mission. The original can be seen in the Basilica of St. Clare in Assisi, Italy.

"Comfort Cross"

These crosses and crucifixes were designed to fit in the hand to be clasped during prayer or meditation. It is made of smooth, soft wood from olives that grow in the Holy Land. It is also called a "holding cross."

"Orthodox," "Byzantine," "Patriarchal"

Common in the Eastern Orthodox Church, this crucifix has two additional crossbeams for the INRI inscription and the footrest, though some believe the lower crossbeam is a scale representing the fate of the two thieves, one of them going to Heaven and the other to Hell.

"Tau"

This cross is named for the Greek letter it forms. It is most often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, who likened its shape to his Order’s monastic habit. Outside of Christianity, this symbol is associated with sacrifice and resurrection.

Other cross and crucifix terms to know:

Corpus - the body of Jesus nailed to the cross

Oriental - a flourish on each of the edges of the cross, each three-piece embellishment represents the Trinity or the twelve original Apostles

Knotting - the lattice-like pattern usually seen in Celtic crosses

Inhabited Cross - when someone other than Jesus is portrayed inside the image of the cross (like the San Damiano)

Relic Cross - a cross enclosing a holy object, such as relics of saints or objects from the Holy Land

Pardon Crucifix - instituted by Pope Pius X, it grants indulgences to those who carry it

Penal rosary and cross - specifically designed with shorter crossbeams to make it easier to hide, it was used by persecuted Irish Catholics