The Order of Pope Pius XVI
The Order of Pope Pius XVI (Italian: Ordine di Pio XVI), also referred as the Pian Order , is a papal order of knighthood originally founded by Pope Pius XVI in 2019.
Grades and Insignia
- Knight with the Collar (GCCPO): who wear a gold chain around their shoulders which is decorated with the papal tiara and two doves, and on the breast a large star. It is the highest active papal decoration, and is reserved for heads of state.
- Knight/Dame Grand Cross (GCPO): who wear a wide dark blue silk ribbon (sash) bordered with red which extends saltire-wise from the left shoulder to the right side where the insignia of the order is suspended by a rosette, and on the breast a large diamond-studded star. It is commonly awarded to the ambassadors accredited to the Holy See.
- Knight/Dame Commander with Star (KC*PO/DC*PO): who in addition to the badge wear a star of smaller design than that of Knights of the Grand Cross on the breast.
- Knight/Dame Commander (KCPO/DCPO): who wear the decoration at the neck.
- Knight/Dame (KPO/DPO): who wear the star on the left breast.
The decoration is a regular octagram made of blue enamel, the spaces between the rays filled with gold flames. On the white medallion in the center the name of the founder surrounded by the words Virtuti et Merito ("Virtue and Merit") is engraved. The reverse side is the same save for the substitution of Anno 2019 for Pius XVI. The rarely worn official uniform consists of an elaborately embroidered dark blue evening coat with golden epaulettes, white trousers, and a white-plumed bicorne.
Grand Masters
Notable members
- Cardinal William Winters, Prince of Aquitaine
- Emperor Edward I of Lech
- Cardinal Joseph Winters, Prince of Malta
- Prince Vittorio Guillaume Ludovico of Rome