Let’s start with the important stuff, like the coat-of-arms and motto. ‘Cause I like that stuff.
Here is the coat-of-arms of Pope Leo XIV. His motto is “In Illo Uno Unum”, which from the elegance you know is from St. Augustine. Indeed it is, from en. ps. 127. I’ll write separated about that.
The arms bear a Marian lily of purity and the symbol of the Augustinians, the arrow-pierced burning heart on the book, for Augustine is a Doctor of the Church. It is simple. That is good.
That Augustinian symbol is so familiar to me, since I studied in Rome at the Patristic Institute “Augustinianum” (while Prevost was there… and his classmate was president).
His name. He told the cardinals that he wanted to affirm the path that the Church took with the Second Vatican Council, underscoring certain elements that both Benedict and Francis emphasized. Hence he took the name Leo, calling to Leo XIII, and the social teaching of the Church. Perhaps it is only coincidence that Leo XIII’s family had intimate dealings with Augustinians.
In that talk to Cardinals he mentioned AI. This is a big deal.
His pectoral cross, at least what he has now, has relics of Augustinian saints, including Augustine and Monica. I also have their relics in my chapel. That will help me with a sense of solidarity, I hope.
The Pope will live in the Apostolic Palace.
Just watch. Pretty Casa Santa Marta will return to being a “5 star hotel”.
Please, God, let the performative humility be at an end?
His theological background.
He has the coveted M.Div from the worst possible school in the worst possible years, Chicago Theological Union.
That doesn’t mean he is a heretic, like the instructors. However it doesn’t point to a profound foundation. It could be that he has done more on his own. However, his jobs have kept him busy.
My sources say that he believes and that he prays.
That’s a good start.
