Should there be a crucifix in the sanctuary?
The short answer
Yes. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal requires a cross with the figure of Christ crucified on or near the altar, clearly visible to the people. If there isn't one, the processional crucifix can serve.
Required
There must be a cross with a crucified corpus, placed on or near the altar and clearly visible to the people (GIRM 308).
An option
If no crucifix is in the sanctuary, the processional cross bearing the figure of Christ crucified may be used.
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