Rota (papal signature)

The rota is one of the symbols used in the papal signature, found on papal bulls, composed of a cross inscribed in two concentric circles, first used by Pope Leo IX.

The four inner quadrants contain: "Petrus," "Paulus," the pope's name, and the pope's ordinal number. The current pope's motto surrounds the outer circle. The inside of the outer circle sometimes contains the pope's autograph.

The rota was also used by monarchs for the authentification of administratives documents and diplomas.^[1]

References

↑ For instance it was used by William I of Sicily (image) and William II of Sicily : Antonia Gransden, Legends, traditions, and history in medieval England, Continuum International Publishing Group, 1992, p. 184

External links

Examples of the rota

Papal symbols and rituals

Symbols	Coats of arms Coats of arms of the Holy See and Vatican City Cross Keys of Heaven Regalia and insignia Rota

Events	Conclave Coronation Inauguration Mass

Vestments	Camauro Falda Fanon Ferula Flabellum Mitre Mozzetta Pallium Ring of the Fisherman Shoes Sub-cinctorium Tiara Zucchetto

Major basilicas	Archbasilica of St. John Lateran Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore St. Peter's Basilica

Places	Apostolic Palace Holy See Papal Apartments Saint Peter's Square Sistine Chapel Vatican City

Transport	Popemobile Sedia gestatoria