The Vatican has unveiled the official portrait and signature of Pope Leo XIV, marking a significant moment after his election. The portrait showcases the Pope in traditional papal vestments, a departure from his predecessor's style. Accompanying the portrait is the Pope's signature, including the notation 'P.P.' (Pastor Pastorum). The papal coat of arms incorporates meaningful symbols, such as the fleur-de-lis and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Furthermore, the Pope's motto, 'In illo uno unum,' emphasizes unity and communion within the Church, rooted in Augustinian teachings.
about 2 months ago
On May 10, 2025, the Vatican released the official portrait, signature, coat of arms, and motto of Pope Leo XIV 1 2. These symbols offer insights into the new pontiff's theological priorities and pastoral style 2.
The coat of arms is divided diagonally. The upper half features a blue background with a white fleur-de-lis, symbolizing the Virgin Mary 1 2. The lower half displays a closed book with a heart pierced by an arrow against a light background, referencing the Order of Saint Augustine and Saint Augustine's conversion 1. This symbol is based on the traditional emblem of the Augustinian Order 2.
Pope Leo XIV's motto, "In Illo uno unum," translates to "In the One, we are one" 1. This phrase, taken from Saint Augustine’s Exposition on Psalm 127, emphasizes unity in Christ 1. Then-Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost stated in a 2023 interview that promoting unity and communion is fundamental to his way of acting and thinking, reflecting the charism of the Order of Saint Augustine 1.
The official portrait shows Pope Leo XIV wearing traditional papal vestments, including the red mozzetta, embroidered stole, white rochet, and golden pectoral cross 2. This contrasts with the simpler style of his predecessor 2. His signature includes "P.P." for "Pastor Pastorum," a traditional abbreviation that Pope Francis had departed from 2.
Papal symbols reflect Church unity and Marian devotion.
While I cannot provide information about Pope Leo XIV, as there has not been a Pope by that name, I can offer insights into the historical practices surrounding the symbols, signatures, and portraits of Popes, drawing from established traditions and examples of previous pontiffs.
Official portraits of Popes have been a long-standing tradition within the Church. These portraits often aim to capture the essence of the Pope's personality, pontificate, and connection to the Church .
Papal signatures are a formal aspect of papal documents, historically accompanied by specific symbols .
The "rota," or wheel, is placed to the left of the Pope's signature at the foot of a document. Within two concentric circles, the Pope's motto, typically a brief scriptural text chosen at the beginning of his reign, is inscribed . A cross, believed to be drawn by the Pope himself, precedes the motto . The names of St. Peter and St. Paul appear in the center of the rota, with the reigning Pope's name above and beneath them .
To the right of the signature, opposite the rota, is a monogram signifying "Bene Valete," an interesting survival of an earlier form of salutation .
Popes often select symbols that reflect their personal ideals, spiritual beliefs, or significant events related to their pontificate . These symbols are incorporated into various representations, including their coat of arms .
A Pope's coat of arms typically includes a shield with symbols and is surrounded by elements indicating dignity, rank, and jurisdiction . The shield displays symbols connected to the individual, their ideals, life principles, and traditions .
The crossed keys, one gold and one silver, are a prominent symbol in papal heraldry, often interpreted as symbols of spiritual and temporal power . These keys symbolize the power Christ gave to St. Peter and his successors .
Historically, the Supreme Pontiff's arms featured a tiara . Over time, the silver tiara with three gold crowns came to represent the three powers of the Supreme Pontiff: Sacred Orders, Jurisdiction, and Magisterium . Pope Benedict XVI replaced the tiara with a simple mitre in his personal coat of arms, while retaining the crossed keys as the emblem of the Apostolic See .
The "pallium" is a liturgical insignia of the Supreme Pontiff, representing the Pope's responsibility as the pastor of the flock entrusted to him by Christ . It is a symbol of jurisdiction and a sign of sharing this jurisdiction with Metropolitan Archbishops . The pallium is a narrow stole of white wool worn around the neck . The Pope confers the pallium on newly appointed Metropolitan Archbishops, expressing the authority the Metropolitan acquires in communion with the Church of Rome . The pallium symbolizes the sheep that the shepherd carries on his shoulders, representing the pastoral mission .
In heraldry, a motto or heraldic device is often placed on a ribbon or cartouche below the shield, expressing an ideal or program of life . While some Popes, like John Paul II, often quoted their motto, it did not always feature in their Papal arms . The absence of a motto in the Pope's arms can imply openness to all ideals that may derive from faith, hope, and charity . Pope Francis, for example, chose the motto "miserando atque eligendo" (having mercy and choosing) from a passage in Bede's homily on the Feast of St. Matthew .
In summary, while there is no Pope Leo XIV, the traditions surrounding papal portraits, signatures, and symbols are rich with historical and spiritual significance, reflecting the unique role of the Pope within the Catholic Church.