The blue shield is surmounted by symbols of papal dignity, the same as those taken by his predecessor Benedict XVI (miter placed between crossed keys of gold and silver, bound by a red cord). At the top stands the emblem of the order of origin of our new pope, the Society of Jesus, a radiant sun and flamboyant containing the letters in red IHS monogram of Christ. The letter H is surmounted by a cross, at the tip, the three nails in black.
Below, are the star and the flower of nard. The star, according to the ancient heraldic tradition, symbolizes the Virgin Mary, Mother of Christ and of the Church, while the flower of nard shows St. Joseph, patron of the universal Church. In the iconographic Hispanic tradition, in fact, St. Joseph is depicted holding a branch of spikenard. By placing these images in his shield, the pope intended to express his particular devotion to Mary and Joseph.
But even more interesting is the explanation that has been given to the words "miserable atque eligendo", taken from a sermon the Venerable Bede on the call of Matthew, where a previous post has already reported.
"This homily is a tribute to God's mercy and is reproduced in the Liturgy of the Hours of the feast of St. Matthew. It has a special meaning in the spiritual life and the pope. In fact, on the feast of St. Matthew in the year 1953, the young Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 17 years old, experienced the loving presence of God in his life, in a very special way. Following a confession, he felt his heart being touched and felt the descent of God's mercy, that 'with a look of tender love calling him' - 'miserable atque eligendo' - to the religious life, following the example of St. Ignatius of Loyola .
"Once elected bishop, Archbishop Bergoglio, in memory of the event which marked the beginning of his total consecration to God in his church, decided to choose, as a motto and way of life, the expression of St. Bede 'miserable atque eligendo ', which he now has wished to replicate in his papal coat of arms. "