Symbolic representations obeying codes from the Middle Ages, ecclesiastical coats of arms are intended to reflect the personality, origins, or pastoral program of their bearer. Both a legacy of history and contemporary creation, episcopal heraldry sees its use differ according to the context and the character of the prelates. Thus, Charles Theuret, first bishop of Monaco in 1887, made an exuberant use of his arms, while Charles Brand, first archbishop in 1981, did not use them during his short Monegasque episcopate. The spirit of Second Vatican Council dealt a temporary blow to this tradition, but the communication needs of the XXIst century have revived the need for a visual identity. 

The appointment of a new Archbishop of Monaco at the start of 2020 is an opportunity to examine a varied iconography, which had never, until then, aroused any study.

Text in French