Benemerenti medal

Benemerenti Medal
Obverse and reverse of the medal
Awarded forLong and exceptional service to the Catholic Church
Country Holy See
Presented byPope Francis
EligibilityClergy and laity
StatusActive
Established1832
Ribbon of the medal
Precedence
Next (higher)Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice
Next (lower)Lateran Cross
Jerusalem Pilgrim's Cross

The Benemerenti Medal is a medal awarded by the Pope to members of the clergy and laity for service to the Catholic Church. Originally established as an award for soldiers in the Papal Army, it is now a civil decoration but may still be awarded to members of the Pontifical Swiss Guard.