The Bulbapedia page lists regional changes and censorings, but says nothing about the crucifix not being original.
As a side note, the plot summary section is worth a read, holy hell. “…After leaving Acapulco”, “…After being shot with a bazooka by Jessie…”
I think I don’t remember this episode because it’s overshadowed in my memory by the very next episode, Bye Bye, Butterfree.
https://www.spacejam.com/1996/jam.html
I’m pretty sure spacejam.com showed that page up until the sequel supplanted it.