Mixing the past and the present

Pope Francis’s apt choice of symbols has nods to tradition as well as his Argentinian roots, writes Daniela Petroff

POPE Francis mixed his Argentine past with his Roman present to create his new papal coat of arms, while harking back to a pope associated with the Second Vatican Council for the simple ring that he received during yesterday’s installation Mass.

The Vatican released details of the symbols of Francis’s pontificate, which in its inaugural days has been marked by his preference for simplicity and aversion to Holy See splendour.