The Lions & Pears of Pope Sixtus V

Map

Heraldic arms of Pope Sixtus V atop the Lateran Obelisk

---

Few popes made more of an impact on the fabric of Rome than Pope Sixtus V (r. 1585-90). Sixtus V only reigned five years, but he packed a great deal into that time, raising obelisks, straightening roads, building fountains and aqueducts, churches and chapels. 

In order to make sure that everyone knew who was responsible for the developments, the pope left evidence in the form of his heraldic arms: a rampant lion, a bunch of pears, a group of hills, and a star. The pears (pere in Italian) are a reference to his birth-name, Felice Peretti.  

Related post: Papal Coats of Arms. ​

---

Heraldic arms of Pope Sixtus V, Lateran Palace

Coat of arms of Pope Sixtus V, Lateran Palace