The Tau Cross, or Cross of Saint Francis, is a Christian symbol with a history spanning millennia. Its "T" shape resembles the Greek letter "tau", the last of the alphabet, and for this reason it was associated with the end of time and with salvation. Already in the Old Testament, the prophet Ezekiel mentions a sign on the forehead of the righteous, interpreted by some as the Tau.
Its veneration grew exponentially thanks to Saint Francis of Assisi, who adopted it as his own seal and symbol of life. For the Poverello, the Tau represented the cross of Christ, unconditional love and penance. He wore it, painted it on walls and used it to sign his letters, spreading the meaning of humility, peace and dedication to God. Even today, the Tau Cross is a Franciscan emblem, recalling the spiritual legacy of the Saint and his message of universal fraternity.