The Vatican today unveiled the official coat of arms and motto of Pope Leo XIV, recently elected as the new successor of Peter. The symbolism adopted maintains the elements of his episcopal period and clearly reflects both his membership in the Order of St. Augustine and his vision of the Church: a community united in the love of Christ.
A coat of arms with Augustinian heritage
The pontifical coat of arms is diagonally divided into two sectors. In the upper part, on a blue background, there is a white lily, a traditional symbol of purity and Marian devotion. In the lower part, on a light background, a profoundly Augustinian image stands out: a closed book with a heart pierced by an arrow. This figure alludes directly to the conversion experience of St. Augustine, who described the impact of the Word of God with the phrase: "Vulnerasti cor meum verbo tuo".that is, "You have pierced my heart with your Word".
The choice of this image not only recalls the spirituality of one of the Fathers of the Church, but also highlights the centrality of personal conversion and the transforming power of the Scriptures, which has marked the spiritual life of Pope Leo XIV since his Augustinian youth.
A slogan proclaiming unity
The motto that accompanies the coat of arms is "In Illo uno unum" - "In Him one, one" - taken from a sermon by St. Augustine (Exposition of the Psalm 127). The phrase expresses the conviction that, although we Christians are many, in Christ we are one.
This motto is not new: it was adopted by the then Cardinal Robert Prevost upon his consecration as bishop and reflects a constant orientation of his pastoral life. In an interview with Vatican media in 2023, Prevost explained: "Unity and communion are part of the charism of the Order of St. Augustine and also of my way of acting and thinking. [...] Promoting unity and communion is fundamental".
One shield, one mission
The Pope's coat of arms and motto Leo XIV confirm the coherence between his personal history and the pastoral direction he wishes to give to his pontificate. At a time when the Church insists on the principles of communion, participation and mission - the three keys to the current synodal process - his pontifical emblem is a clear message: fidelity to Augustinian roots and commitment to a Church united in Christ, pierced by his Word.
