Coat of arms of Pope Benedict XVI

Coat of Arms of Benedictus XVI

Coat of Arms of Pope Benedict XVI represents the heraldic emblematic bearings adopted by Pope Benedict XVI upon his papacy in 2005. The coat of arms, like those of his predecessors and successors, carries deep symbolic meanings and reflects the personal inclinations and theological emphases of the pontiff.

Design and Symbolism

The coat of arms of Pope Benedict XVI is a complex heraldic achievement that combines traditional elements of papal heraldry with personal symbols that are significant to Benedict XVI. The shield is divided into three main sections, each with its own symbols.

The Moor of Freising

The top left of the shield features the Moor of Freising, a heraldic figure with a long history in the Diocese of Freising, where Joseph Ratzinger, who later became Pope Benedict XVI, was born and served. This figure is a black man wearing a crown and a blue and white loincloth, which is a traditional symbol associated with the diocese.

The Corbinian Bear

The top right of the shield displays a bear carrying a pack on its back. This symbol is associated with the legend of Saint Corbinian, the patron saint of the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising, where Ratzinger was Archbishop before his elevation to the College of Cardinals. The bear in the legend is said to have carried Saint Corbinian's pack across the Alps, symbolizing the burden of office that the Pope carries.

The Scallop Shell

The bottom of the shield features a scallop shell, a traditional Christian symbol of pilgrimage and mission. It is also a symbol closely associated with Saint Augustine, a Doctor of the Church whose works were highly influential on Benedict XVI's theology. The shell signifies pilgrimage, indicating the Pope's role as a pilgrim in service to the Church.

Papal Tiara and Keys

Above the shield, the traditional symbols of papal authority are present: the Papal Tiara and the keys of Saint Peter. However, in a departure from tradition, Benedict XVI's coat of arms replaced the tiara with a mitre, symbolizing a more pastoral role of the papacy. The keys are gold and silver, representing the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven given by Jesus to Saint Peter.

Motto

Pope Benedict XVI's motto, "Cooperatores Veritatis" (Cooperators of the Truth), is inscribed below the shield. This phrase, taken from the Third Letter of John, encapsulates his commitment to the pursuit of truth in love and the collaborative nature of the Church's mission.

Conclusion

The coat of arms of Pope Benedict XVI is a rich tapestry of symbols that reflect his life, his priorities, and his vision for the Church. It serves as a heraldic testament to his theological insights, his personal history, and his role as a successor to Saint Peter.