Welcome to the official website of the Association of Papal Orders in Great Britain of Pius IX, Saint Gregory and Saint Sylvester.

Founded some fifty years ago, the Association of Papal Orders in Great Britain consists of members who have been awarded Papal Knighthoods. Currently there are five Pontifical Orders although British members are traditionally members of the Pontifical Orders of Saint Gregory the Great and Pope Saint Sylvester.

The Pontifical Orders represent one of the highest and most prestigious distinctions which the Pope, as Supreme Pontiff and Head of the Roman Catholic Church and as Sovereign of the Vatican City State, can bestow on an individual. Such awards are made to lay individuals, both male and female, of the Catholic faith as well as to those of other Christian denominations and followers of other faiths such as Islam and Judaism. Such awards are granted in recognition of an individual’s pre-eminent service to their faith, community, or the work of the Holy See on a local, national and international level.

His Eminence Cormac, Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor, Archbishop of Westminster, was appointed in 2004 as the Association’s Honorary President. The Chairman of the Association is The Rt Hon Sir Swinton Thomas. The Honorary Secretary of the Association is Leo Simmonds. Recipients of all Pontifical Orders may apply for membership of the Association should they wish to.

The Association of Papal Orders would like to express its appreciation to Eligo International for preparing and designing this website so that a much wider audience can appreciate the role and function of Papal Orders in Great Britain.