Page "Crucifix" Paragraph 3

Large crucifixes high across the central axis of a church are known by the Old English term rood.

By the late Middle Ages these were a near-universal feature of Western churches, but are now very rare.

Modern Roman Catholic churches often have a crucifix above the altar on the wall ; for the celebration of Mass, the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church requires that, " on or close to the altar there is to be a cross with a figure of Christ crucified ".