Pope Leo XIV’s coat of arms has been revealed, offering an insight into the ideals of his pontificate as well as giving a nod to his Augustinian roots.
The newly-elected Pontiff’s motto reflects the Augustinian tradition: In Illo uno unum, which means “In the One, we are one.”
The line is taken from Saint Augustine’s Exposition on Psalm 127 which says “although we Christians are many, in the one Christ we are one.”
It was the same motto he had as a bishop. He explained his reason for the motto in a 2023 interview with Vatican News.
“As can be seen from my episcopal motto, unity and communion are truly part of the charism of the Order of Saint Augustine, and also of my way of acting and thinking,” then-Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost said at the time.
“I believe it is very important to promote communion in the Church, and we know well that communion, participation, and mission are the three key words of the Synod. So, as an Augustinian, for me promoting unity and communion is fundamental.”
On his papal coat of arms, the shield is divided into two sections. The upper half features a blue background with a white lily.
This symbol and colour is closely associated with purity and the Virgin Mary. The three-petaled lily is also connected with the Holy Trinity.
The lower half features a closed book with a heart pierced by an arrow, a symbol of the Order of Saint Augustine.
It refers to the conversion experience of Saint Augustine in which he said of God: “Vulnerasti cor meum verbo tuo (You have pierced my heart with your Word)”.
The motto and coat of arms suggest unity will be a big emphasis on Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate, while also remaining true to his Augustinian heritage.