Pope Leo XIV's new coat of arms: A symbol of unity and faith
The coat of arms of Pope Leo XIV includes elements associated with 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 hold profound meaning.
What do you need to know?
- Pope Leo XIV's coat of arms includes elements related to Mary and the Augustinian order.
- The Vatican highlights the symbolism of the coat of arms, for example, the burning heart pierced by an arrow refers to St Augustine.
- The coat of arms motto, "In Illo uno unum," underscores 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.
It is a shield divided into two parts. On a blue background, a white lily is in the upper part. The lower part 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 significance of the coat of arms? As quoted by Vatican News, Fr. Antonio Pompili, Vice President of the Italian Institute of Heraldry and Genealogy, explains this.
The symbolism of the pope's coat of arms: the Vatican explains the profound significance
According to Fr. Pompili, the papal coat of arms contains many symbols of profound significance. He explains that the blue in the first field symbolises the sky and is associated with Mary. Against 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, a burning heart is pierced by an arrow, a symbol of the Augustinian order. This sign refers to St Augustine's words in "Confessions": his heart was pierced by the love of God.
Augustinian symbols, present in the coat of arms since the 16th century, often appear in a book that symbolises the Word of God, which can transform the human heart, as with St Augustine. The book also reminds us of the great theological works that the Doctor of Grace left to the Church and humanity.
The white colour, in the papal coat of arms in an ivory shade, is standard in monastic coats of arms and symbolises holiness and purity.
Below the coat of arms shield is the motto "In Illo uno unum". In his Commentary on Psalm 127, St Augustine explains that although Christians are numerous, they are united in Christ.
