3 symbols of Pope Leo XIV

There is no doubt that Pope Leo XIV is an Augustinian. Everything released today about his choices for the important symbols for any pope speaks of his deep Augustinian heart. Let’s explore them.

3 symbols of Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo’s Coat of Arms

The first of the symbols is the coat of arms. The coat of arms is an important image for the Church. The pope has one, every bishop has one, every diocese has one. The one chosen by Pope Leo XIV reflects his Augustinian roots and the devotion to Saint Augustine.

What are the key elements of the pope’s coat of arms and what do they mean. The Fleur-de-Lis represents a lily, and being on a blue background is for the Virgin Mary. Devotion to Mary has been seen in the frequent recitation of the Hail Mary in his first days as pope.

The image of the heart, pierced by an arrow, on top of a book. Vatican News writes,

“The lower half of the shield has a light background and displays an image that recalls the Order of Saint Augustine: a closed book with a heart pierced by an arrow. This is a direct reference to the conversion experience of Saint Augustine himself, who described his personal encounter with God’s Word using the phrase: “Vulnerasti cor meum verbo tuo” – “You have pierced my heart with your Word.”

Below the coat of arms is the motto chosen by the pope.

Pope Leo’s Motto

Every bishop, and the pope as Bishop of Rome chooses a motto. It is kind of a way for the bishop and the pope to summarize in a few words a phrase that will define how they understand their office.

Pope Leo chose the phrase, In illo uno unum. It means “In the One, we are one.” Not surprisingly this phrase comes from Saint Augustine. Here is his quote. “Although we Christians are many, in the one Christ we are one. We are many and we are one – because we are united to Him, and if our Head is in heaven, the members will follow.”

In choosing this motto, Pope Leo XIV indicates the primacy of seeing Unity as being united with Christ. And this is most important. In our modern world, progress can be limited to social programs, catchy slogans, and increased technology. It is clear that Pope Leo sees progress as grounded only in Christ and as a response to the call of Christ.

Pope Leo’s Pectoral Cross

The third of the symbols of Pope Leo is the pectoral cross he wore in his first appearance as pope.It was a gift from the Prior General on the occasion of Pope Leo’s elevation to cardinal. Not surprisingly, the cross comes from his identity as an Augustinian friar.

In the center is a relic of Saint Augustine, the patron of the Augustinian Order who provides the spiritual grounding and the protection of the Order. Next to the relic of Augustine is a relic of Saint Monica, the holy Mother who continued to pray for the conversion of her son.

There are also relics of a saint, a blessed and a venerable. They are all important persons to the Augustinians. Saint Thomas of Villanova (patron of Villanova University) was Archbishop of Valencia, who demonstrated both care for the poor and the value of theological study. He opened the first seminary, which still exists today, before the Council of Trent called for them.

Blessed Anselmo Polanco, Bishop of Teruel, was a martyr during the Spanish civil war. Known for his deep dedication to the people he served, during the bloody period of the Spanish Civil War he said, “As long as even one of my flock remains, I will stay.”

Venerable Giuseppe Bartolomeo Menochio, Bishop of Porphyry and Prefect of the Apostolic Sacristy, lived in the eighteenth and nineteenth century. Refusing to swear allegiance to Napoleon, he died with the odor of sanctity.

The pectoral cross of Pope Leo represents the holiness of men and women in the Augustinian Order. They represent fidelity, reform, service, or martyrdom.

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