Since the reforms of these orders in the beginning of the 20th century, the diplomas have been signed by the Cardinal Secretary of State.
These last two conform with the more ancient tradition of chivalry where a promise or commitment is made on joining relating to future behaviour.
Tracing its origins to the dissolution of the Knights Templar, the Military Order of Our Lord Jesus Christ was established in 1319 in the Kingdom of Portugal and recognised by the Papal bull Ad ea ex quibus of 15 March 1319 of Pope John XXII.
[1] Some historians claim that under the terms of Ad ea ex quibus, the Popes instituted the right to award the membership of the Order themselves, though its text does not explicitly treat of this right.
[7] There previously existed an Order of Pian Knights, founded in the 16th century, which later fell into abeyance.
It was initially founded to reward meritorious civic or military service to the Papal States.
The Order is currently awarded for conspicuous service to the Catholic Church, without regard to religious affiliation.
[5] These awards are typically given premised on recommendations from bishops or Papal nuncios for specific services rendered to the Catholic Church.
The Grand Master, a lay professed religious, ranks as a Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church and his accorded the title Eminent Highness and Prince.
In 1489, Pope Innocent VIII suppressed the Order and ruled that it was to be merged with the Knights Hospitaller.
In 1847, Pope Pius IX reorganized the Order and placed it under the direct protection of the Holy See.
Appointments and promotions are made by the Holy See and Diplomas signed by the Cardinal Secretary of State of the Vatican.
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem is ex officio Grand Prior of the Order, while the lay head is the Governor-General.
[10] The present Cardinal Grand Master is Fernando Filoni succeeding Edwin Frederick O'Brien, on 8 December 2019.
The Grand Master is elected by the Council Complete of State of the Order[12] and serves for life or until abdication.
[16] All other self-styled chivalric orders, the statement continued, "whether of recent origin or mediaeval foundation, are not recognised by the Holy See" and "the Holy See does not guarantee their historical or juridical legitimacy, their ends or organisational structures... to prevent the continuation of abuses which may result in harm to people of good faith, the Holy See confirms that it attributes absolutely no value whatsoever to certificates of membership or insignia issued by these groups, and it considers inappropriate the use of churches or chapels for their so-called 'ceremonies of investiture'.
However, since 1929 it has been a purely religious order of priests, brothers and sisters, with a category of 12 honorary knights and an unlimited number of associates, known as Marianer.
[19] The Benemerenti Medal is awarded by the Pope to members of the clergy and laity for service to the Catholic Church.
It is an honour awarded in the name of the Pope as a recognition of merit to pilgrims to the Holy Land.