(The Conversation) — In choosing his motto and coat of arms, Leo references the Order of St. Augustine, to which he belongs. He uses the identifying symbol of Augustine, a heart pierced by an arrow.

Pope Leo XIV has announced his motto and coat of arms – a long-held tradition for those in the ranks of bishops, cardinals and popes.

In choosing his motto and coat of arms, Leo references the Order of St. Augustine, to which he belongs. He uses the identifying symbol of Augustine, a heart pierced by an arrow.

Pope Leo XIV’s devotion to St. Augustine, his life and ministry as a member of the Augustinian order and his focus on the unity of the church are reflected in his episcopal motto and coat of arms.

The coat of arms depicts an upper portion marked with a fleur-de-lis and a lower half decorated with a burning heart, pierced by an arrow, set atop of a Bible.

The heraldic design of Leo’s papal coat of arms features a fleur-de-lis on a blue background, symbolizing the Virgin Mary, while the right side displays the Sacred Heart of Jesus resting on a ...

The Observatory said the protests erupted after a video began circulating earlier Wednesday showing “an attack by fighters” on an important Alawite shrine in the Maysaloon district of Syria ...

Amid the devastation of Aleppo's past and present, Syrians reflect on the harrowing legacy of war, the loss of lives, and the hope for a better future.

Rebel fighters who took control of Aleppo about two weeks ago have promised security and continuity. Prices have skyrocketed, but residents express some hope for the future.

Syrian rebels captured Aleppo from President Bashar al-Assad's forces, bringing hopes of return among hundreds of thousands exiled from the city, which has been under Assad's control since 2016.

The fall of Aleppo this weekend surprised even the residents of Aleppo, so you can imagine how flabbergasted foreign analysts were, from thousands of miles away.

The 2016 battle for Aleppo was a turning point in the war between Syrian government forces and rebel fighters after 2011 protests against Assad's rule turned into an all-out war.