Vatican,. A Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Crossin Case, c.1970

Type II. In bronze gilt, obverse illustrating the Apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the centre of the cross, inscribed "PRO ECCLESIA" (For Church) on the left arm, "ET PONTIFICE" (And Pope) on the right arm, inscribed "PAULUS VIº PP" (Pope Paul VI) below the saints, the personal insignia of Pope Paul VI (1963-1978) above the saints, with three small crosses situated at the end of the left, bottom and right cross arms, engraver marked "E. MANFRINI", measuring 49.5 mm (w) x 61.5 mm (h) inclusive of its integral suspension, spotting and light contact evident on the reverse, original Papal white and yellow ribbon, extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, the personal insignia of Pope Paul VI (1963-1978) in bronze gilt affixed to the lid, beige cloth exterior, inside lid lined in light yellow satin and padded, recessed medal bed in light yellow, dual-hinged, push release, measuring 120 mm (w) x 173 mm (h) x 20 mm (d), exhibiting soiling on the exterior, case very fine.

Footnote: The cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice ("For Church and Pope" in Latin) is a decoration of the Holy See. It is currently conferred for distinguished service to the Catholic Church by lay people and clergy. The cross was initially only cast in gold and silver. A bronze version was added later. On the medal is a cross made octangular by fleurs-de-lis fixed in the angles of the cross. The arms of the cross narrow towards the center, with slightly indented ends, approaching the form of the patonce cross. In the center of the cross is a small medal with the image of Leo XIII. The words "Leo XIII P. M. Anno X" (tenth year of his pontificate) circles the image. In the center of the reverse side are the papal emblems. The motto "Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice" is stamped in the circle surrounding the emblems. On the obverse side of the medal, the branches of the cross are comets, which, with the fleurs-de-lis, form the coat of arms of the Pecci family. Stamped on the reverse side are the words "Pridie" (on the left branch), "Kal" (on the top branch), and "Januar" (on the right branch) and the year "1888" (at the foot of Vaticanthe cross). The medal's ribbon is red, with delicate lines of white and yellow on each border. The cross is worn on the left side of the breast. The current version since Pope Paul VI, as presented here, was introduced by Pope Paul VI (Pontificate: June 21, 1963 to August 6, 1978  = 15 years, 46 days) and is only awarded in one grade, Gold. The design was modified under Benedict XVI (2005-2013) with the individual coat-of-arms in the top arm of the decoration replaced by a small cross, while the coat-of-arms of the Holy See replaced the small cross on the bottom arm. The name of the reigning pope no longer appears on the front side.