Vatican - Holy ‘Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice’ Cross - Silver. Weight: 16.87 g. Size: 42 x 58 mm. Metal: Silver. Original ribbon. No hallmark. Quality: Extremely Fine. The Holy ‘Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice’ cross is an award which translates: For the Church and for the Pope. It is also known as the Decoration of Honour. It can be awarded to members of the clergy as well as non-religious men and women. The cross was offered by Pope Leo XIII on July 17th, 1888, for his priestly Golden Jubilee. Initially, the distinction was only meant for those who deserved the celebrations. The award only became permanent in 1898. The cross of merit is worn on the left side of the chest. The ribbon is purple with three white, yellow, white pinstripes near each edge. It consists of a cross surrounded by four lily flowers. In the middle, a medallion is representing the bust of Léon XIII with the inscription: ‘LEO XII P.M. ANN X’. The cross is adorned with comets which recall, with the lilies, the coat of arms of the founding Pope. The back of the medal bears the Papal emblem and the inscription: ‘PRO ECCLESIA ET PONTIFICE’. The back of the medal bears the inscription: ‘PRID. CAL. IAN. 1888’. Originally, it was awarded in gold, silver and bronze, but in 1908 Pius X decided that only a single class should remain for which the emblem would be gold. The pictures provide a clear impression. Registered mail with tracking number.