Order of Pope Leo XIV

The Order of Pope Leo XIV (Italian: Ordine di Leo XIV), also referred as the Leone Order (Italian: Ordine Leone, pronounced [leˈoːne]), is a papal order of knighthood originally founded by Pope Leo XIV in 2022. It is the third highest honor currently conferred by the Holy See (two higher honors, The Supreme Order of Christ and The Order of Pope Pius XVI).

History

The Order of Pope Leo XIV is established by Pope Leo XIV in 2022. The Order is granted sparingly to lay Catholics, usually in diplomatic roles, for extraordinary merit or deeds for the Church and society. The order is awarded to Catholics and, on occasion and only for diplomatic reasons, to non-Catholics and non-Christians as well. The class of Grand Prior are chosen in favor of the Sovereign, no nominations are allowed by other Grand Prior of the Order while they can nominate the other three classes. Archbishops, Cardinals and the Emperor of Lech are the only candidates of the Grand Prior, the Prince of Rome can be chosen under certain circumstances.

Order of Classes

The Order currently has four classes. In order of seniority, they are:

• Grand Prior (GPLO) - wears a large cross suspended from a broad ribbon (sash) over the right shoulder across the breast to the left hip, along with the breast star, the collar on top of the sash.
• Knight/Dame Grand Cross (GCLO) – wears a large cross suspended from a broad ribbon (sash) over the right shoulder across the breast to the left hip, along with the breast star.
• Knight Commander (KCLO) – wears a smaller cross suspended by the ribbon of the Order encircling the neck. Dame Commander (DCLO) – wears the same cross suspended from a bow on the left breast. This class is divided into two categories.
• Knight/Dame (KLO/DLO) – wears the smallest cross on a ribbon attached to the left breast of the tunic.

Each recipient may illustrate their Papal knighthood with post-nominal lettering as seen above.

The Sovereign of the Order wears the breast star, the collar, they are entrusted with diamonds to show superiority over the Grand Prior.

Heraldry

In their heraldic achievements, Knight Grand Cross and Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Pope Leo XIV may encircle their escutcheon with the Order. Knight Grand Cross and Dame Grand Cross are also entitled to receive heraldic supporters, a privilege granted to few other private individuals. While some families claim supporters by ancient use, and others have been granted them as a special reward, only members of the Royal Family. Knights and Dames Grand Cross of the junior orders of chivalry are automatically entitled to them.