The Lateran Cross (Italian: Croce Lateranense) is a medal for recognition of merit.

It was bestowed by the Cathedral chapter of the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran with authorisation of the Holy See.

The distinction was created as a recognition of merit, and is named in honor of the Basilica of St. John in Lateran in Rome.

The reverse side of the cross is engraved with the names, in Latin, of each saint depicted (Joanes, Batis, Petrus, Paulus), as well as the symbol of Christ (P and X inside a circle).

A button located above the cross is inscribed with the phrase: Sacrosancta lateranensis ecclesia - omnium urbis et orbis ecclesiarum mater et caput (The sacred and holy church of the Lateran - the mother and the head of all of the churches of the city and the world).