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Some Catholic Bishops affect a "+" in front of their name. It is a cross (a Christian symbol) not a plus sign. The custom derives from the era when medieval bishops would humbly sign their names by prefixing the title "Sinner" or "Sinful Servant." So an Archbishop might sign his letters in this way:

Your Sinful Servant,

Charles J. Chaput, OFM, Cap.

But in modern times, he signs his name as:

+Charles J. Chaput, OFM, Cap.

The cross prefix is merely a symbol of one being a "sinner" - that is one in need of the redeeming cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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15y ago

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