Some claim this was just an instrument and not a serpent but I have pointed out it was never used as a musical instrument. I got AI to analyze it and here is what it concluded: What he is holding is a "Nāga" (serpent) staff, a traditional ceremonial symbol commonly used in Sri Lankan Kandyan processions (Perahera) and other South Asian ritual parades. Here’s a breakdown: The object is not a musical instrument but a ceremonial staff topped with a stylized cobra (nāga) head, symbolizing protection and divine guardianship. In Sri Lankan Buddhist and Hindu traditions, the Nāga represents a deity associated with water, fertility, and protection. These staffs are often carried by young attendants or temple bearers in religious or cultural processions, such as those honoring sacred relics or during cultural performances abroad (like this one at the Vatican event). So: ✅ It’s not an instrument. 🐍 It’s a Nāga (serpent) staff, a ritual emblem from Sri Lankan or South Indian ceremonial tradition
1 week ago (edited) | 3
Judging from the attire and articles held, this likely seems to be a South Indian or Sri Lankan Hindu procession. Those big round discs on poles are called 'sesath' — basically ceremonial fans used in state and temple pageantry. The small golden serpent-shaped piece carried in front would seem to be one of their traditional processional golden insignia/arms. The serpent/nāga form is a very common emblem in South Asian ritual symbolism tied to both Hindu and Buddhist cultures. If dignitaries or representatives from South Asian cultures are invited this would be a common enough emblem to see. Their religions are ancient, so they're tied up fairly tight to the foundations of the culture. You'll find them all over the architecture, shrines, stupas etc. They tend to see them as guardians of some kind. Again, the religious symbols are pre-Christian in origin, so standard pagan, nature-inspired imagery. Or, as Indiana Jones would say: "Snakes... Why'd it have to be snakes?"
1 week ago (edited) | 13
At least it was not in St Peters, grateful for small mercies. Satan is definitely in the Church, literally
1 week ago | 7
Gospodine Trojedini smiluj nam se po velikom Milosrđu svome nama i cijelome svijetu.Isus uđe u Hram i rastjera sve iz Hrama rekavši : Ne činite kuću Oca mojega kuću razbojničku .OČE sveti protjerar iz Hrama sve koji ga obeščaćuju.
1 week ago | 2
For those who are anxious, idk where yall stand but to me, although this may sound dumb, I understand that Pope Leo is probably approaching a holistic way of allying with other religions to deal with worldly issues but this particular display for me as a Christian is symbolism of challenge other religions, that we may all come together but only Christ is the victor.
1 week ago | 1
This was a declaration of "Nostra Aetate": "The Church, therefore, exhorts her sons, that through dialogue and collaboration with the followers of other religions, carried out with prudence and love and in witness to the Christian faith and life, they recognize, preserve and promote the good things, spiritual and moral, as well as the socio-cultural values found among these men. Let's not dissent, but be understanding.
1 week ago | 3
This is the evil serpent who tricked in to giving a rotten apple to hewan , today at long last they brought him to face justice in front of the pope for his crimes,
1 week ago (edited) | 0
I am from India. Here we will not bring this like activities in our churches.
1 week ago | 1
Terrible! May the Lord save his church before it's too late to redeem 😭
1 week ago | 2
First a rainbow cross,now a snake. I wonder whats next.
1 week ago | 0
The culture is built around the religion, even if they try to disassociate it, that's where it originated from.
1 week ago | 1
Reason & Theology
This snake was brought into the Paul VI Audience Hall last night during the Pope’s interreligious event. But what exactly is it? Is it simply a cultural or musical object with no religious significance, a representation of a Buddhist Nāga, or something else entirely? I’m surprised that no one—aside from myself—has commented on what this might be. Your thoughts?
1 week ago | [YT] | 53