Honours and Titles
Gonzi was created a KBE, entitling him to be known as Sir Michael Gonzi, in the 1946 New Year's honours. Gonzi was knighted for his services during the Second World War when, as Bishop of Gozo during a critical phase of the war when supplies were running low, he encouraged Gozitan farmers to put their hoarded grain on the market to bring down the price of bread.
In 1949, on the occasion of the silver jubilee of his consecration as Bishop, Pope Pius XII made him Assistant at the Pontifical Throne; in the same year he was conferred the degree of LL.D (Honoris Causa) by the University of Malta, and created Bailiff Grand Cross of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. In 1949, Gonzi was created a Papal Count for his works on behalf of the Papacy, a title was created by Pope Pius XII.
In 1963 Francisco Franco made Gonzi a member of the Order of the Cross of St Raimond de Penafort. He was also appointed Commander of the Holy Sepulchre in 1965.
Read more about this topic: Mikiel Gonzi
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