Latin cross

Form

An upright longer than the crossbar, so the top of the upright rises above it.

When it is documented

The common Western form of the cross of the crucifixion.

Context

Widely used in Western Christianity. It is a general Christian sign, not the emblem of one church.

Links in the Atlas

• Widely used in Catholic Church (Tradition)

  Widely used; not an official emblem of the Church.

Sources and how they were checked

• Form and Latin names.

  Wikipedia, “Christian cross variants” — Latin cross · checked 2026-10-21 (tertiary reference)

Not yet known or sourced

• No dated earliest example is recorded here.