The Benemerenti Medal was first awarded by Pope Pius VI (1775–1799) as a military decoration.

In 1831 under Pope Gregory XVI (1831–1846) a special Benemerenti medal was struck to reward those who fought courageously in the Papal army at Ferrara, Bologna, and Vienna.

[1] In 1925, the concept of awarding this medal as a mark of recognition to persons in service of the Catholic Church, both civil and military, lay and clergy alike, became acceptable.

The medal is a gold Greek Cross depicting Christ with his hand raised in blessing.

[1] Previous versions and variants consisted mainly of a round medal with the portrait of the reigning Pope on the front and a laurel wreath with an inscription "BENEMERENTI" or "BENE MERENTI" on the back.