The official coat of arms and motto of Pope Leo XIV were made public on May 10. Rooted in Augustinian spirituality, the symbols the pontiff chose represent a sign of continuity with his episcopal past, confirming elements already adopted during his consecration.
The papal coat of arms is presented with a shield divided diagonally: in the upper section, on a blue background, stands a white lily, a symbol of purity and spiritual dedication. In the lower section, on a light background, is depicted a heart pierced by an arrow, resting on a closed book. The latter element recalls the Order of St. Augustine and, in particular, evokes the intense conversion experience lived by the saint from Hippo.
The symbol is inspired by the Latin expression “Vulnerasti cor meum verbo tuo” – “You pierced my heart with your Word” – uttered by St. Augustine to describe the transforming effect of the scriptures on his life.
Leo’s motto, visible under the shield, is “In Illo uno unum.” The phrase, taken from a sermon by St. Augustine on the Exposition of Psalm 127, means “Although we Christians are many, in the one Christ we are one.” This choice highlights the pontiff’s fidelity to the Augustinian heri-tage, but calls for spiritual unity of the church under one shepherd.
In his first speech as pope, Leo expressed his desire to lead God’s people by following the example of St. Augustine, whose thought and spirituality profoundly influenced his religious journey.
Spanish bishops speak out after leaks of their meeting with Leo XIV
The executive committee of the Spanish Bishops’ Conference, (CEE, by its Spanish acronym) meeting in Madrid this week, issued an official statement regarding the leaks
