TRIREGNUM (TRIPLE CROWN)
So, where is this in the Bible?
Nowhere!

VOLUME 27, ISSUE 16 Way of Life Literature APRIL 17, 2026
PAGE 3
THE PAPAL CROWN
An example of the pomposity of the popes in former times is the proclamation issued in 1302 by Pope
Boniface VIII titled Unam Sanctum (One Holy). King Philip IV of France and Edward I of England,
tired of papal meddling in their nation’s affairs, were resisting it. For example Boniface had issued a
bull in 1296 forbidding kings to tax the clergy without papal permission. Aer Philip had a bishop
tried for treason and imprisoned, the pope responded with Unam Sanctum. He claimed that no one
can be saved who does not submit to the pope as the supreme head of the church and demanded that
kings and all earthly authority be subject to him. Following is an excerpt: “Furthermore, we declare,
we proclaim, we define that it is absolutely necessary for salvation that every human creature be
subject to the Roman Pontiff.” (For more on the office and history of the papacy, see e History of the
Churches from a Baptist Perspective, 2 volumes, at the Courses section of www.wayoflife.org.)
e authority claimed by the pope through the centuries is
signified by the papal tiara. It is a white helmet-like crown
made of gold and silver, ornamented with precious stones and
pearls, encircled with three rings, with a small cross at the top.
us, it was a crown of three crowns. Crowns were worn by
popes as early as the 8th century, but they had no rings or only
one ring. e three crowns were added gradually. Pope
Boniface VIII (1294-1303) added a second circle or crown.
Benedict XII, who died in 1342, added the third crown. e
triple crown is called the Triregnum (triple rule). e pope was
crowned with these words: “Receive the three-fold crown of
the Tiara, and know that thou art the Father of princes and
Kings, the Ruler of the round earth, and here below the vicar
[representative] of Jesus Christ, to whom be Honor and Glory
forever, Amen.” It is said that the triple crown signifies the
pope as “supreme pastor, supreme teacher, and supreme
priest.” is is a blasphemous usurpation of Christ’s offices.
Pope Paul VI (r. 1963-1978) was the last pope to wear the tiara,
but it is still used to crown the statue of Peter in St. Peter’s
Basilica each year and remains a part of the papal coat of arms.
(For more on the office and history of the papacy, see e
History of the Churches from a Baptist Perspective, 2 volumes, at
the Courses section of www.wayoflife.org.)

