On May 8, 2025, as Pope Leo XIV stepped onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the faithful, he bore a pectoral cross that was not merely ornamental but deeply symbolic. This cross contained sacred relics of Saints Augustine and Monica, among others, encapsulating the Pope's spiritual lineage and the virtues he aspires to embody in his papacy.
The pectoral cross was a heartfelt gift from the Augustinian General Curia to Cardinal Robert Prevost upon his elevation to the cardinalate on September 30, 2023. Fr. Josef Sciberras, the Postulator General of the Augustinian Order, selected the relics, which were then enshrined within the cross by relic expert Antonino Cottone. The cross houses relics of:
Saint Augustine: Theologian and spiritual father of the Augustinian Order, known for his teachings on inner reflection and divine encounter.
Saint Monica: Mother of Augustine, revered for her unwavering faith and prayers leading to her son's conversion.
Saint Thomas of Villanova: A 16th-century reformer and Archbishop of Valencia, celebrated for his care for the poor and commitment to education.
Blessed Anselmo Polanco: Bishop of Teruel, martyred during the Spanish Civil War for his steadfast faith.
Venerable Giuseppe Bartolomeo Menochio: Bishop of Porphyry and Prefect of the Apostolic Sacristy, known for his loyalty to the Pope during the Napoleonic era.
Fr. Sciberras recounted that Cardinal Prevost was deeply moved upon receiving the cross, understanding the profound connection it represented to his spiritual heritage. He encouraged Prevost to wear it during the conclave, a suggestion that came to fruition when the newly elected Pope appeared wearing it, symbolizing continuity and devotion.
Pope Leo XIV's coat of arms further reflects his Augustinian identity. It features a shield divided diagonally:
Upper Section: A blue background with a white lily, symbolizing purity and his devotion to the Virgin Mary.
Lower Section: A light background displaying a closed book with a heart pierced by an arrow, referencing Saint Augustine's profound spiritual transformation and his famous expression, "You have pierced my heart with Your word."
Beneath the shield lies his episcopal motto: In Illo uno unum ("In the One, we are one"), derived from Saint Augustine's commentary on Psalm 127. This motto underscores Pope Leo XIV's commitment to fostering unity within the Church, emphasizing that through Christ, the faithful are united as one body.
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, brings to the papacy a blend of deep-rooted tradition and a vision attuned to contemporary challenges. In his inaugural address, he highlighted the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, drawing parallels to the societal shifts of the Industrial Revolution. He emphasized the Church's role in upholding human dignity and justice in an increasingly technological world.
His choice to wear the relic-laden pectoral cross and his adoption of a motto centered on unity signal a papacy that honors its rich heritage while actively engaging with the present and future complexities facing the global community.
As Pope Leo XIV embarks on his pontificate, these symbols serve as a testament to his dedication to spiritual depth, communal harmony, and a Church that bridges tradition with the evolving needs of humanity.