Since becoming the head of the catholic church in 2013, Pope Francis has had to counter a few rumors that he is in fact a communist.

The accusations of the Pope’s alleged Marxist ties will not be dying down anytime soon, as he was just given a crucifix sculpted in the shape of the well known communist revolutionary symbol of the hammer and sickle by leftist Bolivian President Evo Morales.

As reported by the BBC, the crucifix was based on a design by Luis Espinal, a Jesuit Priest who was politically assassinated in 1980. Pope Francis happens to be the first Jesuit Pope. The Jesuit order, marked by a vow of poverty, chastity and obedience, is known for a tolerance of other religions and a belief in free education for all.

Explaining the significance of the symbolic gift Bolivia's communications minister, Marianela Paco, said to Bolivian radio, "The sickle evokes the peasant, the hammer the carpenter, representing humble workers, God's people." Aside from this simple gesture, Paco said there was no other motive behind the present.

Although there have been reports that the Pope was embarrassed by the gift, Vatican spokesman, Federico Lombardi, said it was more likely the case that Francis had merely expressed surprise at the origins of the crucifix, adding, "I don't think I would put this symbol on an altar in a church however."

In 2014 Francis responded to critics who accused him of Marxist leanings, saying in an interview with the Italian newspaper La Stampa that the Marxist ideology was wrong. "But I have met many Marxists in my life who are good people," he clarified as reported by CNN.

Bolivian Bishop Gonzalo del Castillo called the offering “a provocation” and “a joke.”

Now in Paraguay, Pope Francis will be ending his Latin American tour on Monday.