Vatican unveils official portrait of Pope Leo XIV
The portrait, unveiled during a special press event at the Apostolic Palace, comes just eight days after his election.
The Vatican has revealed the official portrait of Pope Leo XIV, presenting a powerful visual symbol of the new pontiff’s leadership and identity.
The portrait, unveiled during a special press event at the Apostolic Palace, comes just eight days after his election and is expected to stand as one of the most enduring images of his papacy.
The image shows Pope Leo XIV dressed in white papal vestments and a golden mozzetta, his expression calm and dignified. He is portrayed in a moment of quiet reflection, a depiction that mirrors his growing reputation for humility, wisdom, and inner strength.
The Vatican said the portrait will be used in a wide range of settings, including official publications, diplomatic correspondence, and public displays in churches and dioceses around the world.
It is not only an artwork but also a deliberate statement of presence and authority for the global Catholic community.
"In today’s world, where visual identity plays a crucial role in leadership perception, the official portrait holds significance beyond its aesthetic," a Vatican spokesperson said.
"Just as executive portraits in the business world aim to establish trust and authority, the official papal portrait symbolises the Pope’s presence and spiritual guidance—uniting tradition with the modern expectations of visual representation."
The portrait release follows the election of Pope Leo XIV on May 8, when white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel marked the end of the conclave.
Shortly after, it was announced that Robert Prevost, born in Chicago, had been chosen as the new head of the Catholic Church.
He selected the name Leo XIV for his papacy.
Pope Leo XIV is the first pope from the United States and the second from the Americas, following his predecessor, Pope Francis.
