Papal Orders
Of the Papal Orders the highest, and most infrequently awarded, is the Supreme Order of Christ. The second Order is the equally rare Order of the Golden Spur, the third is the Order of Pius IX, the fourth is the Order of Saint Gregory the Great, and the fifth is the Order of Saint Sylvester Pope and Martyr. The awards of the Orders of Christ and the Golden Spur are made at the express wish of the Pope, in consultation with the Cardinal Secretary of State. Awards of the Order of Pius are made to heads of state and senior members of their household at the time of official visits to the Holy See, to senior members of diplomatic missions accredited to the Vatican, and exceptionally, to those who have particularly served the Pope or the Holy See, at the discretion of the Cardinal Secretary of State. Awards of the latter two orders are generally made on the recommendation of diocesan bishops, with the support of the Apostolic Nuncio.
Read more about this topic: Papal Orders Of Chivalry
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