Medals from the Vatican
Vatican and Catholic Church Medals, Orders, Badges & Awards.
Medals from the Vatican, including chivalric orders of the Holy See, hold significant historical and religious importance. These decorations, often bestowed by the Pope, symbolize recognition for various forms of service, devotion, and merit. One notable example is the Order of St. Gregory the Great, established in 1831 by Pope Gregory XVI. Another significant decoration is the Cross Fidei et Virtuti, also known as the Cross of Mentana. Conferred during the Italian unification period, this military merit decoration was instituted by Pope Pius IX in 1867 after the Battle of Mentana. Explore these and other orders, decorations, and medals below.
Related collections: Masonic Jewels & Medals
Popular Christian Medals and Orders
Discover the rich tradition of Christian medals, orders, and decorations, each carrying its own significance and history within the faith. From the revered Jerusalem Pilgrim’s Cross to the distinguished Benemerenti Medal, explore the symbols and stories behind these cherished emblems of devotion and honor.
The Sovereign Military Order of Malta
The Sovereign Military Order of Malta is a Catholic lay religious order that claims continuity with the Knights Hospitaller.
The Order of the Holy Sepulchre
The Order of the Holy Sepulchre is a Catholic order of knighthood established in 1099 and under the protection of the Holy See.
The Order of the Golden Spur
The Order of the Golden Spur is a papal order of knighthood awarded for distinguished service in propagating the Catholic faith.
The Supreme Order of Christ
The Supreme Order of Christ is the highest order of chivalry that can be awarded by the pope. The order is currently dormant.
The Order of St. Gregory the Great
The Order of St. Gregory the Great is one of the five orders of knighthood of the Holy See and was established in 1831 by Pope Gregory XVI.
Chivalric Orders of
The Holy See and Other Distinctions
The Chivalric Orders of the Holy See are prestigious distinctions established by the Vatican to honor individuals for their outstanding service, loyalty, and contributions to the Catholic Church and society at large. These orders trace their origins back to medieval times and continue to be conferred by the Pope to this day.
One of the most renowned chivalric orders is the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, which dates back to the First Crusade in the 11th century, and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, which traces its roots to the Knights Hospitaller established in the 11th century.
The Order of St. Gregory the Great
The Order of St. Gregory the Great is one of the five orders of knighthood of the Holy See and was established in 1831 by Pope Gregory XVI.
The Vatican Cross of Mentana
The Vatican Cross of Mentana is an order created by Pope Pius IX on 14 November 1867 to commemorate the Battle of Mentana.
The Supreme Order of Christ
The Supreme Order of Christ is the highest order of chivalry that can be awarded by the pope. The order is currently dormant.
The Order of the Golden Spur
The Order of the Golden Spur is a papal order of knighthood awarded for distinguished service in propagating the Catholic faith.
The Order of Pope Pius IX
The Order of Pope Pius IX is a papal order of knighthood founded by Pope Pius IV and the highest honor conferred by the Holy See.
The Order of St. Sylvester
The Order of St. Sylvester is one of five orders of knighthood awarded directly by the Pope and intended to honor Catholic laypeople/.
The Order of the Holy Sepulchre
The Order of the Holy Sepulchre is a Catholic order of knighthood established in 1099 and under the protection of the Holy See.
The Sovereign Military Order of Malta
The Sovereign Military Order of Malta is a Catholic lay religious order that claims continuity with the Knights Hospitaller.
The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal
The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal is awarded by the Pope to members of the clergy and laity for service to the Church and the Pope.
The Benemerenti Medal
The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal is awarded by the Pope to members of the clergy and laity for service to the Church and the Pope.
The Jerusalem Pilgrim’s Cross
The Jerusalem Pilgrim’s Cross is an honor of the Holy See awarded in the name of the Pope for merit to pilgrims to the Holy Land.
