What does the P.P. stand for in a Papal signature?

[lno]

@bibliophage

I’m not sure if this is the source of the PP. abbreviation, but the pope is sometimes called “Pastor Pastorum” (Latin for “shepherd of shepherds”). I believe this phrase derives from the writings of Augustine, but I haven’t been able to find a citation.

That sounds like the likely scenario. Father Carl Pulvermacher answered this question in 1982:[

](http://www.sspx.ca/Angelus/1982_April/Ask_Me.htm)Q. When the Popes sign their names they end with two pp’s—like Pius Duodecimus p. p., or Joannis Paulus II p.p. Also, why does a bishop, when signing his name, precede it with a small cross? B. B., San Jose, CA.

A. After studying the first question I cannot come to any definite conclusion. The Pope carries many titles with his unique office. He is a Father, a Teacher and a Judge. He is lovingly called “Papa” by his Italian children, meaning “Father.” His other titles are Sovereign Pontiff, Holy Father, His Holiness, Servant of the Servants of God, Pastor of Pastors, Bishop of Rome, Pastor Aeternus, Patriarch of the Western Church. Very likely the “p.p.” signifies “Pastor Pastorum” which means “Shepherd of Shepherds.”

As for the second question, the cross before the Bishop’s signature. This, I’ve been told, dates back to the times when Bishops were illiterate or old and feeble, and unable to write their names. They would sign documents by making an “X” or a cross. It is also possible that the small cross is what remains of the mark of the signet ring that Bishops formerly used to stamp their papers before signing their names. This question and answer would probably win a prize in a trivia contest!