Vatican says it recognizes only seven orders of knighthood
The Holy See's Secretariat of State said on October 10 that it recognizes seven equestrian orders and attaches no value to honors granted by any other group, warning against investiture ceremonies held in churches
The Secretariat of State of the Holy See issued a statement on October 10, 2026, clarifying that it recognizes only seven legitimate equestrian orders, or orders of knighthood. Five belong to the Holy See itself: the Supreme Order of Christ, the Order of the Golden Spur, the Order of Pius IX, the Order of St. Gregory the Great and the Order of St. Sylvester Pope. The other two are the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.
The statement said all other equestrian orders, whether newly created or derived from medieval ones, have no recognition from the Holy See. The Secretariat of State said it cannot vouch for their historical and legal legitimacy, their purposes or the way they are organized. As a result, diplomas and honors issued by associations that are not recognized have no value.
Warning about unlawful documents and misuse of sacred places
The Secretariat of State also said that using churches and chapels for so-called "investiture ceremonies" is improper. It issued the clarification in response to numerous requests for information about the Holy See's position on equestrian orders that bear the names of saints or carry sacred titles.
Confusion can arise, the statement said, particularly from the unlawful issuing of documents and the misuse of sacred places, which can lead to abuses affecting people acting in good faith. The Secretariat of State said these unauthorized practices undermine the credibility of legitimate Church institutions and expose the faithful to fraud.
The statement closed by repeating that the Holy See neither supports nor recognizes the activities of these unauthorized organizations.
