Exploring Pope Francis Coat of Arms and Motto

Pope Francis’ coat of arms remains very similar to the one he used as

He has replaced the Cardinal’s hat with the Papal Mitre and added the crossed

The shield has a bright blue background, at the centre top there is a

The IHS monogram, has a cross that pierces the H, and three black nails

Under that, to the left, is a star representing Mary, Mother of Christ and

To the right of the star is a nard flower representing Joseph, Patron of

With these symbols the Pope demonstrates his love for the Holy Family. JESUS MARY

Francis’ papal motto, displayed with the coat of arms, is also the same as

“miserando atque eligendo, ” in Latin means “by having mercy, by choosing him. ”

It is taken from a homily of the Venerable Bede on the call of

INVESTIGATION TASKS Why is the Mitre the Papal hat? What does the burning sun

Read the Gospel of St. Matthew 9: 9 -13 Discuss the message of the

Further Investigation Choose one of the following to investigate further: • the coat of

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Exploring Pope Francis’ Coat of Arms and Motto

Pope Francis’ coat of arms remains very similar to the one he used as Bishop of Buenos Aires.

Bishop of Buenos Aires Pope Francis

He has replaced the Cardinal’s hat with the Papal Mitre and added the crossed keys of St. Peter.

The shield has a bright blue background, at the centre top there is a yellow radiant sun with the IHS Christogram on it representing Jesus. (it is also the Jesuit logo).

The IHS monogram, has a cross that pierces the H, and three black nails directly under them.

Under that, to the left, is a star representing Mary, Mother of Christ and the Church.

To the right of the star is a nard flower representing Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church.

With these symbols the Pope demonstrates his love for the Holy Family. JESUS MARY JOSEPH

Francis’ papal motto, displayed with the coat of arms, is also the same as the one he used as a bishop.

“miserando atque eligendo, ” in Latin means “by having mercy, by choosing him. ”

It is taken from a homily of the Venerable Bede on the call of St. Matthew: “Jesus saw the tax collector and by having mercy chose him as an Apostle saying to him: Follow me. ”

INVESTIGATION TASKS Why is the Mitre the Papal hat? What does the burning sun represent? Why are there 3 nails depicted? Why is Mary represented by a star? Why is the H pierced with a cross? What do the letters IHS stand for? Why do the cross keys represent St. Peter and his successors? What significance does the nard flower have for St. Joseph?

Read the Gospel of St. Matthew 9: 9 -13 Discuss the message of the Gospel passage in pairs or groups Explain in your own words why you think Pope Francis chose his motto

Further Investigation Choose one of the following to investigate further: • the coat of arms and motto of your diocese • the coat of arms and motto of a previous Pope. • Research and explain in your own words why the Pope chose Francis as his name.