Pope Francis' Motto: Miserando Atque Eligendo & Its Meaning Explained
What defines the papacy of Pope Francis, and how does his chosen motto illuminate his life and mission? Pope Francis's papacy is deeply rooted in themes of mercy, humility, and service, which are powerfully reflected in his motto and actions throughout his time as the leader of the Catholic Church.
On March 18, 2013, shortly after his election, Pope Francis formalized his papal identity, adopting the coat of arms and motto that had been his since his episcopal consecration in 1991. This decision, made following his elevation to the papacy, underscored the continuity of his personal spiritual journey as it merged with his new role as Supreme Pontiff. This choice, which he carried over from his time as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, immediately conveyed a sense of unbroken personal commitment.
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Education | Master of Arts in Philosophy, Colegio de San Jos |
| Religious Order | Society of Jesus (Jesuits) |
| Ordination to the Priesthood | December 13, 1969 |
| Episcopal Consecration | June 27, 1992 |
| Archbishop of Buenos Aires | February 28, 1998 March 13, 2013 |
| Cardinal | February 21, 2001 |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Papal Name | Francis |
| Coat of Arms | Blue field with the mitre as bishop of Rome and the keys of Saint Peter; a cross at the center (symbol of the Jesuits); the flaming sun with the letters IHS. |
| Motto | Miserando atque eligendo (By having mercy and by choosing) |
| Key Accomplishments | Focus on the poor and marginalized, environmental advocacy, promoting interreligious dialogue. |
| Significant Events | First Pope from the Americas, first Jesuit Pope, G7 participation, Holy Year of Mercy. |
| Reference | Vatican Website |
The motto, "Miserando atque eligendo," is a Latin phrase that translates to "by having mercy and by choosing." According to Latin experts, the phrase encapsulates the essence of Gods merciful selection. It originates from a homily by the Venerable Bede on the Gospel of Matthew, specifically referring to the moment when Jesus calls Matthew, the tax collector, to follow Him. This passage from Bede's homily 21, delivered on the Feast of Matthew, provides the theological foundation for the Pope's chosen words. The motto goes beyond a mere statement; it reflects Pope Francis's deep personal experience of feeling called to religious life and the profound impact of divine mercy in his own journey.
The choice of this motto reveals much about Pope Francis's spirituality. It emphasizes the pivotal role of mercy and the individuals response to God's call. It connects his personal experiences with the broader themes of his papacy. This message is reinforced by his coat of arms, which the Pope maintained with only minor adjustments to reflect his new papal status.
The coat of arms itself is rich in symbolism. The blue field, the background of the shield, supports the mitre, a symbol of the Bishop of Rome, and the crossed keys of Saint Peter, representing the authority of the papacy. At the center is the cross, which is a clear reference to the Society of Jesus, reflecting his Jesuit background. The flaming sun, which is emblazoned with the letters IHS (the first three letters of the name of Jesus in Greek) further emphasizes his devotion to Christ and the central role of faith in his life.
The decision to maintain his episcopal motto and coat of arms underscores a continuity between the man and the office. It reinforces the idea that the papacy builds upon a personal faith journey. This approach, as seen on March 18, 2013, when he formally adopted his existing insignia, shows a clear desire to present a consistent message of humility, mercy, and service.
Vatican Radio highlighted the significance of the motto "Miserando atque eligendo," noting that it means "lowly but chosen," a reflection of humility in the face of divine grace. The phrase, which he first chose as a bishop, became a defining element of his pontificate, as if to suggest that the divine call originates in mercy. This concept is further illustrated by the Latin phrase, "Vidit ergo Iesus publicanum, et quia miserando atque eligendo vidit, ait illi, sequere me" ("Jesus saw the tax collector, and because he saw him through mercy and by choosing, he said to him, Follow me").
The phrase is drawn from the account of the calling of Saint Matthew, where Jesus calls upon Matthew, a tax collector, to become his follower, reinforcing the message of mercy and inclusion that permeates his papacy. It is also important to note the personal significance of the motto, as it resonates with Pope Francis' own experience of divine mercy. This phrase, which he chose as his episcopal motto, is central to his spiritual path.
The emphasis on mercy is central to Pope Francis' pontificate. His papacy is characterized by an emphasis on the poor, care for the planet, and a mission to unite people in faith and hope. The motto itself has deep personal significance for Pope Francis, serving as a reminder of the encounter he had with Gods mercy on the feast of Saint Matthew in 1953, which led him to his vocation. This phrase, "Miserando atque eligendo", is a recurring theme in his speeches, actions, and overall approach to leadership.
The Holy Father's commitment to mercy, humility, and service is evident in his actions and pronouncements. Whether speaking at the G7 forum in Italy, where he highlighted the dangers of war, or opening the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica to inaugurate the Jubilee Year of Mercy, Pope Francis consistently promotes peace, compassion, and understanding. His selection of the theme "Pilgrims of Hope" for the Holy Year 2025 further underscores his dedication to offering solace and direction to believers worldwide.
Pope Francis has kept the motto and coat of arms he used as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, as was reported by EWTN News on March 18. The choice to use the same motto reflects on the specific spiritual journey of Pope Francis. The motto elegantly captures the essence of his papacy, reflecting on the gospel story of Saint Matthew's calling. This motto is not only a defining feature of his papacy but also an inspiration for his actions and a reflection of his personal beliefs.
His approach can be summed up in two words: mercy and hope. These words resonate deeply with the theme of the Jubilee Year and set the tone for the upcoming year. The official logo and motto of Pope Francis's trip to Mexico, presented by the Mexican Bishops Conference on December 12, also underscore this theme.
Pope Francis, as the 265th successor of Saint Peter, continues to lead the Church in a challenging time. His papacy is defined by his profound faith and by the themes of love, mercy, and service, and his call to the faithful to embrace these values. He leads with humility and compassion, becoming a beacon of hope and faith for millions globally. Pope Francis's journey serves as a reminder of the power of faith and a testament to the transformative impact of mercy.
