Vatican Unveils Pope Leo XIV's Emblem: A First Look at His Coat of Arms and Portrait

The decorations and small details of Pope Leo XIV's pontificate will be implemented in the days after his election.

These minor elements provide insight into their likes, dislikes, and even theological priorities. first-ever American successor to St. Peter .

The Vatican On Saturday, the release took place of the official coat of arms for the Bishop of Rome. The design features an upper section adorned with a fleur-de-lis above a lower part embellished with a burning heart skewered by an arrow, all resting upon a Bible.

This piece of work mirrors the coat of arms he bore during his time as a bishop and cardinal; however, the shield now features emblems indicative of his latest position.

The keys to the kingdom of heaven — one made of gold and the other of silver — are crossed behind the shield. These keys are bound together with a red cord. Above this whole arrangement, he decided to follow the choice recently adopted by his predecessors as pontiffs to not use the papal tiara — the customary papal crown. papacy —for a golden and silver bishop's mitre.

Beneath the shield lies his slogan: "In Illo uno unum" (Latin for "In the One [God], we stand united.")

What might seem like a jumble of vague imagery actually shows a remarkable devotion to the theology of the Order of Saint Augustine, of which he is a member.

For instance, the image of a burning heart struck by an arrow alludes to Saint Augustine of Hippo, who spoke to God after his conversion saying: "You have pierced my heart with your Word."

His principle similarly originates from St. Augustine, who advocated for God as the supreme unifying element among all peoples and countries.

Previously, Cardinal Robert Prevost elucidated his motto during a 2023 interview with Vatican News.

"As evident in my episcopal motto, unity and communion are integral parts of the Order of Saint Augustine’s spirit, as well as reflected in my approach and mindset," he stated.

He went on, "Promoting communion within the Church is crucial, and I think this aligns closely with our understanding that communion, participation, and mission represent the core concepts of the Synod. As someone from the Augustinian tradition, fostering unity and communion remains essential."

The Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff released its inaugural official image of Pope Leo XIV, showing him dressed in the cassock, mozzetta, and stole that he had worn before his initial appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

The portrait is signed Leone P.P. XIV, the pope's name in Latin. The additional "P.P." stands for “Pastor Pastorum," Latin for "Shepherd of Shepherds" — one of the many titles of honor accorded to the office.

Pope Leo XIV's other design choices have also garnered notice.

POPE LEO XIV ANNOUNCES HIS CHOICE OF PAPAL TITLE AS A REACTION TO THE GLOBAL DIGITIZATION AND ADVANCEMENTS IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLECT

At his first Mass as pope On Thursday morning, he had a golden caduceus that was first presented to Pope Benedict.

It is also claimed that he will be transferring to the Apostolic Palace , an extensive dwelling directly adjacent to St. Peter’s Basilica, adorned with centuries of exquisite artwork and sculptures. Despite having access to this grand palace, Pope Francis opted to conduct his business and deliver speeches from within the building but chose to live in a simpler guest quarters instead.