The pectoral cross worn by Pope Leo XIV during his first public appearance contained sacred relics of Augustinian saints, including St. Augustine, St. Monica, St. Thomas of Villanova, and Blessed Anselmo Polanco. This deeply significant piece was a gift from Fr. Josef Sciberras, Postulator General of the Augustinian Order, presented to him upon his elevation to the cardinalate.
Pope Leo XIV bore not just the weight of the papacy, but also the spiritual presence of the saints and blesseds of his Augustinian family. As he stepped into the spotlight of the Church and the world, he did so with Augustine and his holy companions close to his heart.
A photo of the opened pectoral cross was shared by renowned Italian reliquiarist Antonino Cottone.