Friar Rafael Nieto, OARRafael Nieto, OAR, a religious of the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova, has recently participated in an interview on the COPE Radio to explain the symbolism of the Vatican coat of arms in the vacant See and the process of choosing the papal coats of arms. Known for being the author of the current of the visual identity of the Order of Augustinian Recollects, his expert and close voiceHis expert and close voice illuminated the spiritual meaning of these symbols which, beyond their beauty, speak of the mission of the Successor of Peter.
A symbol that is not just an image: the coat of arms as a spiritual heritage
The interview, broadcast on the program Mediodía COPE, began with a key question: what coat of arms is used when the Church is in a vacant see? Rafael explained with simplicity and precision the structure and meaning of this unique coat of arms, composed of two upside down crossed keys, a cord that joins them and an umbrella called “conopeo” or “umbel”. umbrella called “conopeo” or “umbel”..
“The umbrella has a tradition in the Church. It was used to protect sovereigns and even today it appears on the coats of arms of basilicas. It symbolizes that we are in a time of transition, an interregnum between two pontiffs.”
Coats of arms that narrate the soul of each pontificate
During the conversation, Friar Rafael also spoke about the history and meaning of the personal coats of arms of the Popes: from the Marian “M” of St. John Paul II, to the Jesuit symbol of Pope Francis or the unique bear legend on the coat of arms of Benedict XVI. Each of these emblems, he said, “tells a story.tells a story, speaks of a spirituality and leaves a visual imprint on the history of the Church.“.
As an artist and designer, Friar Rafael confessed his appreciation for the more sober coats of arms, visually powerful for their simplicity. And he recalled that the papal coat of arms is not just an institutional ornament, but is embodied in documents, works and decisions of the pontificate.
“The coat of arms that the new pope chooses will go on his documents, on his decisions. It is part of his identity and also of his legacy.”
The soul of the institutional image of the Augustinian Recollects
Fray Rafael Nieto is not only an expert in ecclesiastical heraldry. He is also the author of the current brand image of the Order of Augustinian Recollects, a work that integrates art, history and spirituality in a coherent and meaningful visual identity.a work that integrates art, history and spirituality in a coherent and meaningful visual identity. His dedication to this field stems from the conviction that beauty communicates and evangelizesand that religious art, when done with faith, speaks of God in silence, speaks of God in silence.
A living legacy for the next Pope
The interview concluded with a look to the future: the election of the new Pope and the new coat of arms that will accompany him
. Friar Rafael recalled that sometimes Popes keep the coat of arms they already used as bishops or cardinals; at other times, they modify it to better express their mission. In any case, this coat of arms will be a visible sign of the invisible: a visual synthesis of their pastoral and spiritual style..
A religious at the service of art, the Church and identity
From his love for heraldry to his artistic sensibility, Rafael Nieto represents a generation of religious who unite faith, culture and service to the Church.. His appearance on COPE not only served to explain symbols, but also to remind that in beauty there is truth, and in form, there is also substance..