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Pope Leo chose his motto from this sermon by St. Augustine

SAINT AUGUSTINE
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Philip Kosloski - published on 05/09/25
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Pope Leo XIV’s episcopal motto is from a sermon by St. Augustine on the Psalms, and reflects the unity of the Catholic Church.

POPE LEO XIV

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When Pope Leo XIV was consecrated a bishop, he chose the Latin motto, “In Illo uno unum,” which is translated, “In the one Christ we are one" or more literally, “In Him, one, [we are] one.”

It is a fitting motto, as it expresses Pope Leo’s desire for unity in the Church, a desire that will greatly form the rest of his pontificate.

The words of his motto are taken from St. Augustine’s sermon on Psalm 128.

Commentary on Psalm 128

Pope Leo, being an Augustinian, is very familiar with the works of St. Augustine and draws upon them readily.

The particular verse Pope Leo is quoting from is found in the following paragraph in St. Augustine’s commentary on Psalm 128:

“Blessed are all they that fear the Lord, and walk in His ways” (Psalm 128:1). He speaks to many; but since these many are one in Christ, in the next words he speaks in the singular: “For you shall eat the labors of your fruits”….When I speak of Christians in the plural, I understand one in the One Christ. You are therefore many, and you are one; we are many, and we are one. How are we many, and yet one? Because we cling unto Him whose members we are; and since our Head is in heaven, that His members may follow.

St. Augustine is reminding everyone how all Christians are united in faith, even though we may come from different backgrounds.

It is a relevant message, especially in the modern world, as the Church is very diverse in it members, but united in their belief in Jesus Christ.

St. Augustine continues his commentary, exhorting us all to think of how we are united in Christ:

Let us therefore so hear this Psalm, as considering it to be spoken of Christ: and all of us who cling unto the Body of Christ, and have been made members of Christ, walk in the ways of the Lord; and let us fear the Lord with a chaste fear, with a fear that abides forever.

Pope Leo has much work to do during his pontificate to promote unity in the Church both among various Christian Churches and even among Catholics themselves.

It has been a desire of many popes in recent years to grow closer with other Christian Churches, and while there have been some signs of unity, there is a long road ahead. We can join the pope in this hope, working with him to achieve lasting unity in the Church.

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