This gesture, in which his first two fingers and his thumb are extended and his third and fourth finger are closed, is among the most frequently occurring of Christ’s hand gestures in Catholic art. It emerged as a sign of benediction (or blessing) in early Catholic and Byzantine art, and its use continued through the Medieval period, and into the Renaissance. But as the Catholic persecutions of Christians increased, during times like the Spanish Inquisition, this symbol was proven to be a sign of conquest, dominance and eventually the death of all those who would oppose Roman spiritual rule. When you see a Pope, Cardinal or priest using this sign today, it is a sign that the Vatican and the Catholic system will not rest until you are under it’s control.