Responsibilities and Uniforms

Knights of all the Pontifical Orders are entitled to wear a uniform corresponding to the Order to which they belong. Dames are able to obtain a cape. The uniform, which was much in evidence at the public ceremonies when His late Holiness Pope John Paul II visited Great Britain in 1982, is normally worn on only a few occasions each year including Pontifical Masses, inter-religious occasions and during events held by the Association of Papal Orders in Great Britain.

The wearing of a uniform is not compulsory. In Great Britain recipients of the Pontifical Orders of Pius IX, Saint Gregory the Great and of Pope Saint Sylvester are able to obtain a uniform corresponding to the Order and grade to which the recipient is entitled to wear.

For the Order of Pius IX it is a dark blue with red cuffs and gold lace, for Saint Gregory the Great it is a dark green with silver lace (above), and for the Order of Pope Saint Sylvester it is black with gold lace (right). Each uniform is slightly more embroidered for the higher ranks. The uniform is also accompanied by a cocked hat and a dress sword.

Those wishing to acquire one should contact the Honorary Secretary of the Association of the Papal Orders who will advise them of the appropriate tailors to contact.