The Christ?s Cross is the ex-libris of the training ship "Sagres". According to the Gaspar Correia (1495-1561) testimony, this cross was used for the first time on the sails of Pedro Álvares Cabral fleet, although its origin is quite more remote. The red cross with symmetric bars and hollowed centre was the symbol of the Military Order of Christ, established in Portugal by King D. Dinis in 1317, following the extinction of the Order of the Templar. Inheriting the goods of the former Order, the Military Order of Christ?s main place was later on transferred to the Temple of Christ, in Tomar.
It needs to be noted that Prince Henry was the "parish administrator and governor" of the Order of Christ from 25 May 1420 on until his death, which allowed him to enlarge his political and religious influence, as well as the available financial resources. In fact, the richness of the Military Order of Christ ?besides many other rents and resources that Prince Henry could count on? might have been instrumental in helping him to support the large expenses associated with the required shipbuilding to proceed with the voyages also financed by him.
