The symbol of the sacred heart surmounted by a Crucifix – deployed by the Abbé Bérenger Saunière – was the specific symbol of the Catholic Counter-Revolutionaries (Ligue de la contre-réforme catholique) who also wanted to restore the French Monarchy.

This particular symbolism of the Sacred Heart was first used during the French Revolution by the Catholic and Royal Army (the Whites, as opposed to the Blues, the Army of the Republic) in the region of La Vendée, using the motto Vive Louis XVII (referring to the young son of Louis XVI).

Furthermore, this Catholic and Royal Army did not just believe that it was engaging in an earthly military conflict – but also in a spiritual war embodying the ultimate struggle between good and evil – thus explaining WHY the Republic was symbolised as the Devil in the church of Rennes-le-Château (Saunière also used the opening words to the French Coronation Anthem on his Calvary).

Abbé Saunière was very much the militant reactionary professing anti-government views as reported by the Préfet de l’Aude in 1899.