In October 2012 the Holy See published the list of
Equestrian Orders it formally recognizes.
“ It's
a great honor to be named a Knight or a
Dame in an Equestrian Order, but unfortunately, many people who claim to
be part of these religious Orders are not.
To avoid misunderstandings, the Vatican has published the
list of Equestrian Orders it formally recognizes.
On that list, are the Holy See's Equestrian Orders, which
include the Supreme Order of Christ, the Order of the Golden Spur, the Pian
Order, the Order of Saint Gregory the Great, and the Order of Pope Saint
Sylvester.
In addition, there are two other Orders that are recognized
and supported by the Holy See. These include the Sovereign Military Order of
Malta, whose Grand Master is Fra Matthew Festing and the Equestrian Order of
the Holy See Sepulchre of Jerusalem, led by Grand Master Cardinal O'Brien.
The list was published to make clear that the Holy See does
not recognize the documents, insignias, membership or even diplomas issued by
other Orders, who claim to fall under the protection of the Vatican. It's also
a way to prevent the inappropriate use of sacred places, like churches or
chapels for ceremonies of investiture.”
