English Translation

k Le n e r z, Heinrich, SJ., working in the Sacramental Congress, Zir w es, Albert, SY, assistant at the Papal Observatory, Beck er, Ferdinand, S.J. and Secretary General of the Pontifical University. VI Pontifical Order. Since the Pope considers himself sovereign, he also bestows orders as such. These are sometimes awarded purely diplomatically, but most often it is decisive that the awardee has acquired considerable services around Catholicism, but often also, and especially among statesmen, the Pope's sympathy for a particular country or government is to be seen in a religious ceremony. There are the following papal orders: Christ Orders, Orders of the Golden Sporn, Piusorden, Gregorius Orden, New Year's Eve Order, Order of the Holy Sepulchre. In addition, there are the papal awards: the Cross "Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice" and the Papal Medal of Merit. The bearers of the papal orders lead the Vatican to the titles "Cavaliere", "Commendantore", or "Cavaliere Gran Croce" and wear certain uniforms on official ecclesiastical occasions. 48 49