The ''rota'' is one of the symbols used by the
pope
The pope is the bishop of Rome and the Head of the Church#Catholic Church, visible head of the worldwide Catholic Church. He is also known as the supreme pontiff, Roman pontiff, or sovereign pontiff. From the 8th century until 1870, the po ...
to authenticate documents such as
papal bull
A papal bull is a type of public decree, letters patent, or charter issued by the pope of the Catholic Church. It is named after the leaden Seal (emblem), seal (''bulla (seal), bulla'') traditionally appended to authenticate it.
History
Papal ...
s. It is a cross inscribed in two concentric circles.
Pope Leo IX
Pope Leo IX (, , 21 June 1002 – 19 April 1054), born Bruno von Egisheim-Dagsburg, was the head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 12 February 1049 to his death in 1054. Leo IX is considered to be one of the most historica ...
was the first pope to use it.
The four inner quadrants contain: "
''Petrus''", "
''Paulus''", the pope's name, and the pope's ordinal number. The pope's
autograph or motto is sometimes inscribed between the concentric circles.
A ''rota'' was also used by monarchs for the authentication of documents and
diplomas
A diploma is a document awarded by an educational institution (such as a college or university) testifying the recipient has graduated by successfully completing their courses of studies. Historically, it has also referred to a charter or offi ...
.
See also
* ''
Signum manus
''Signum manus'' (transl. ''sign of the hand'', sometimes also known as ''Chrismon'') refers to the Middle Ages, medieval European practice of Signature, signing a document or charter with a special type of monogram or royal cypher. The practi ...
''
*
Tughra
A tughra (; ) is a calligraphy, calligraphic monogram, Seal (emblem), seal or signature of a sultan that was affixed to all official documents and correspondence. Inspired by the Tamga, tamgha, it was also carved on his seal and stamped on the co ...
*
Khelrtva
Notes
References
External links
Examples of the rota
Documents of the Catholic Church
Seals (insignia)
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