Vatican unveils Leo XIV's symbolic coat of arms
The coat of arms of Pope Leo XIV features elements connected to Mary and the Augustinian order. Father Antonio Pompili, Vice President of the Italian Institute of Heraldry and Genealogy, explained in an official statement released by the Holy See that these symbols carry deep significance.
What do you need to know?
- The coat of arms of Pope Leo XIV includes elements related to Mary and the Augustinian order.
- The Vatican emphasizes the symbolism of the coat of arms, such as the burning heart pierced by an arrow, which alludes to St. Augustine.
- The motto of the coat of arms, "In Illo uno unum," highlights the unity of Christians in Christ.
A few days ago, the Vatican presented the coat of arms that will accompany the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV.
As previously mentioned, it’s a shield divided into two parts. In the upper part, set against a blue background, there is a white lily. The lower section of the coat of arms depicts a closed book with a heart pierced by an arrow. At the bottom is the motto: "In Illo uno unum."
What is the meaning of the coat of arms? This is further clarified by Father Antonio Pompili, Vice President of the Italian Institute of Heraldry and Genealogy, as reported by Vatican News.
The symbolism of the Pope's coat of arms: The Vatican explains its deep significance
According to him, the papal coat of arms contains many symbols of profound importance. He explains that the blue in the first field of the coat of arms symbolizes heaven and is associated with Mary. On this background is the classic symbol of the Virgin Mary, the lily, known as "flos florum"—the flower of flowers.
In the second field of the coat of arms, there is a burning heart pierced by an arrow, a symbol of the Augustinian order. This emblem refers to the words of St. Augustine from "Confessions," speaking of his heart being pierced by the love of God.
Augustinian symbols, present in the coat of arms since the 16th century, often appear with a book that symbolizes the Word of God, capable of transforming the human heart, as was the case with St. Augustine. The book also recalls the significant theological contributions that the Doctor of Grace left to the Church and humanity.
White color, shown in an ivory shade in the papal coat of arms, is common in monastic coats of arms and symbolizes holiness and purity.
Beneath the shield of the coat of arms is the motto "In Illo uno unum." St. Augustine, in his Commentary on Psalm 127, explains that although Christians are many, in Christ, they are one unity.
