Well gdawson, one thing is certain. The Catholic church does NOT favour upside crosses as has been said on this thread (or passed on). The only explanation for the "inverted" cross on the papal chair would be to symbolise the upside crucifixion of St. Peter (the first pope). St. Peter did not want to be crucified in the same manner as Our Lord because he said he was not worthy. So St. Peter insisted on being crucified upside-down.

For Catholics, The Pope is the Successor of St. Peter. Therefore the reason for this unusual and isolated depiction would symbolise the humility and sacrifice of the first Pope. If it was meant for a symbol of "satanism", what a contradiction in terms it would be, to have that and then a Pope walking around stooped with parkinson's disease leaning on a giant cross (not inverted) with a hanging, wretched depiction of Christ.

To depict this in such a manner (whether manipulated photo or not), to deliberately demonise both the Pope and the Catholic church and faith, does a grave injustice towards all Catholics, and the person maybe in danger of breaking the commandment of bearing false witness. And there are plenty out there seeking to do just that. No Catholic church or person that I know would endorse such a Satanic practise or symbol - unless of course there is a very good reason. Although the upside down cross typically represents "satan's mockery of Christ's crucifixion", it does not do so exclusively! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_of_St._Peter

However, if anybody out there is in doubt and believes that the inverted cross is a favourite satanic symbol of Catholics, perhaps they would like to visit their nearest Catholic church, Catholic retails shops and look around and let me know when you find an inverted cross. Check out the Catechism and let me know if inverted crosses for Satanic purposes are endorsed .....certainly, the mockery of the upside down cross (outside of Saint Peter's upside crucifixion), is not a favoured symbol of any true Catholic, the Pope included.