The coat of arms symbolizes the governance of the Pope, who is the head of the Holy See and the global Catholic Church.

The main elements of the coat of arms are as follows:

• The Silver Key and the Gold Key: These crossed keys are perhaps the most recognizable symbol of the Holy See. They represent the keys to Heaven given by Jesus Christ to Saint Peter, the first Pope, according to the New Testament of the Bible (specifically, the Gospel of Matthew 16:19). The gold key represents spiritual power and the silver key symbolizes worldly power. They signify the Papacy's mission of earthly governance and spiritual guidance. The keys are tied together by a red cord, which emphasizes the unity and interdependence of the spiritual and temporal realms.

• The Papal Tiara: Sitting above the keys is the Papal Tiara, also known as the Triregnum. It is a jeweled three-tiered crown that historically was worn by Popes for centuries. Each of the three crowns traditionally represents one of the three powers of the Pope: order, jurisdiction, and magisterium. Although the physical wearing of the tiara has been largely abandoned since Pope Paul VI, it remains a strong symbol of the papacy's authority.

• The Red Shield: Serving as the backdrop for the keys and the tiara is a simple red shield. The color red is often associated with dignity, honor, and the willingness to serve and sacrifice for one's beliefs.

The emblem is used on all official documents, as a symbol of the papacy's authority and the unity of the Catholic Church, and can be seen on flags, within churches, and in various ecclesiastical heraldry around the world.