The Vatican published the photo and the official coat of Leo XIV: What do the co -symbols mean

On the side the papal shield is presented, which Leo XIV He decided to keep much since his episcopal ordination. The design is diagonally divided. In the upper part, on a blue background, a white lily is seen: symbol of purity, obedience and consecration. At the bottom, on a clear background, a red heart is highlighted by an arrow, which rests on a closed book.

This central sign alludes directly to a phrase of San Agustín in their Confessions: «Vulneasti Cor Meum Verb Tuo» From Latin «You have crossed my heart with your word»evoking its conversion process and the inner experience of faith as a transformative wound.

The shield is completed with the traditional heraldry elements of the papacy: the tiara of three crowns and the cross keys of San Pedro. In the lower tape the motto that the Pope has chosen to keep: «IN ILLO UNUM»expression taken from the Psalm exposure 127 of San Agustín. The phrase «In the only one, one» Synthesizes the Augustinian ideal of ecclesial unity: many Christians, a single Christ.

During an interview granted in July 2023, when he was still a prefect of the DICASTERY FOR BISKS, Prevost He had anticipated that key dimension of his thought:

«As Augustine, promoting unity and communion is fundamental. San Agustín speaks a lot of unity in the Church and the need to live it.»

He Vatican also offered this Saturday new details about another of the signs that accompanied the Pope from the first moment: the Pectoral Cross who looked on May 8, day of his choice. It was not a liturgical cross of the Pontifical Treasury, but a personal gift received months before. It was the General Curia of the Augustinian Order The one commissioned by the reliquary as a gift for the then Cardinal, on the occasion of his creation as purple, on September 30, 2023.

The Pectoral Cross of Leo XIV contains relics of San Agustín, Santa Monica and two Spanish bishops. A key gift loaded with spirituality

The design was entrusted to the artisan Antonino Cottoneand its content, prepared by the father Josef Sciberrasgeneral postulator of the order. Inside, five carefully selected relics are saved: one of San Agustínplaced to the center; another of Santa Monicahis mother, at the top; one from SANTO TOMÁS DE VILLANUEVA on the left arm; of the Blessed Anselmo Polancoin law; and finally of the venerable Menochio Bartolomeo at the base.

Each figure represents a key aspect of Augustinian spirituality and Christian testimony. Agustín and Mónica embody the conversion, interiority and fidelity in the search for God. Tomás de Villanueva, archbishop of Valencia in the 16th century, was an exemplary reformer, concerned with the formation of clergy and attention to the poor. Anselmo Polanco, a martyr of the Spanish Civil War, died shot for remaining faithful to his people and his faith. Menochio, papal sacristan in the time of Napoleon, refused to swear fidelity to the emperor and remained firm in the defense of Rome, dying with a reputation of holiness.

The jewel was designed with relics of five saints, marking a key link between the Augustinian order and the Pope (Reuters/Archive)

Sciberras said he sent a message to Prevost the night before the conclave, recommending to carry that cross to have the protection of the saints Agustín and Mónica ‘. The new Pope not only used it during his oath, but also in his first public appearance, preferring it to other models.

The choice of symbols in these first days – the photograph taken in prayer, the continuity of the shield, the Augustinian motto, the cross with relics – reveals a coherent narrative: Leo XIV has begun his pontificate without spectacular gestures, but with deliberate signs. Instead of marking a break, it seems to prefer the fine stroke. More than announcing, he suggests. More than promise, invoke.