Understanding the Coat of Arms of Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV’s coat of arms is more than a heraldic design—it’s a spiritual blueprint of his Augustinian roots and the vision guiding his pontificate. Rich in symbolism, the coat of arms emphasizes unity, personal conversion, and deep communion within the Church.
The Shield: A Story in Symbols
The coat of arms is split diagonally into two symbolic sections:
Upper Left – The White Lily on Blue
This section features a white lily against a blue background. Traditionally, lilies symbolize purity and holiness. This image honors the Virgin Mary - blue is associated with Mary. Given Pope Leo's Augustian roots, one could even say it's a nod to Saint Monica as well, the mother of Saint Augustine, whose perseverance in prayer helped lead to his conversion.
Lower Right – The Heart, Arrow, and Book
The lower portion shows a heart pierced by an arrow resting on a closed book—an iconic image in Augustinian symbolism. It evokes Saint Augustine’s moment of conversion, captured in his words: “You have pierced my heart with Your Word.” The arrow represents divine truth, and the book symbolizes Scripture as the living Word of God.
Visual Breakdown
The Papal Tiara and Crossed Keys
Surrounding the shield are traditional papal symbols: the triple tiara and the crossed keys of Saint Peter. These signify the pope’s role as the supreme shepherd and successor of Peter, entrusted with the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Motto: In Illo uno unum
Translated as “In the One, we are one,” this phrase is taken from Saint Augustine’s commentary on Psalm 127. It reflects the theological truth that while the Church is made up of many members (the body of Christ), we are unified as one in Christ (the Head of the Body). Pope Leo XIV has emphasized that promoting unity and communion is central to his mission. In the words of St. Augustine, "we cling unto Him whose members we are; and since our Head is in heaven, that His members may follow."
A Message of Unity and Faith
The coat of arms of Pope Leo XIV serves not only as a personal statement of faith but also as an invitation to the global Church to live in deeper communion with Christ and one another. It is a call to rediscover unity through holiness, Scripture, and shared mission.
