Pope Leo XIV Reveals His Vision: First Papal Trip, Coat of Arms, and Personal Motto

The official coat of arms of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.

Pope Leo XIV: First Papal Journey, Coat of Arms, and Personal Motto Unveiled

On May 8, 2025, the global Catholic community learned of the election of Robert Francis Prevost, an American archbishop, as the new pope. He chose the name Pope Leo XIV, drawing on the legacy of Pope Leo XIII, often hailed as the first "social pope." Pope Leo XIII focused on addressing social issues, particularly those arising from the industrial revolution in the 19th century. Now, Pope Leo XIV aims to confront the challenges of the modern world, including the rise of artificial intelligence and the evolving landscape of global labor.

Pope Leo XIV’s Vision of the Papacy

In a meeting with the cardinals on May 10, 2025, Pope Leo XIV explained the profound significance of his papal name. Drawing on the teachings of his predecessor, Pope Francis, he affirmed that the church must continue its engagement with the world’s social issues. Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of the church’s social doctrine in facing the challenges of the current industrial revolution and the digital age, which calls for new approaches to justice, dignity, and work.

Pope Leo XIV’s personal motto, "In illo uno unum" (In Him who is One, let us be one), inspired by Saint Augustine, reflects his deep commitment to unity within the church. This motto will guide his papacy and will serve as a call for global solidarity among Catholics. His papal emblem also speaks to this vision, blending tradition with the urgent call for unity in the face of contemporary challenges.

Pope Leo XIV’s First Papal Journey Outside Rome

In his first papal trip outside Rome, Pope Leo XIV visited the Augustinian sanctuary of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano, just outside of Rome. This visit marked an important milestone for the new pope, who is himself a member of the Order of Saint Augustine. The trip highlighted Pope Leo XIV’s personal connection to the Augustinian tradition, underscoring his commitment to both the church's role in social justice and its deep spiritual roots.

Later that day, Pope Leo XIV paid respects at the tomb of Pope Francis, and visited the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a place of great significance to the late Pope Francis. The day culminated with the first Regina Caeli prayer of his pontificate, marking a moment of connection with the faithful as he addressed thousands of pilgrims and tourists in Saint Peter's Square.

The Legacy of Pope Leo XIV

As Pope Leo XIV embarks on his papacy, his focus on Catholic traditions, church symbolism, and pastoral care is clear. His approach to the papacy reflects a deep respect for the church's past while embracing its future challenges. His role in the Catholic Church is poised to have a profound impact on US Catholics, as he brings a new perspective to the leadership of the church in a rapidly changing world.

Conclusion

Pope Leo XIV is not just a figure of great significance in the church, but a leader determined to shape the future of Catholicism. His coat of arms, personal motto, and first papal journey all reflect a vision grounded in faith, unity, and social engagement. As Pope Leo XIV steps into his role, the Catholic Church’s legacy is sure to evolve, especially as his influence continues to grow, particularly among Catholic communities in the United States.