U.S. Embassy to the Vatican Issues Clarification about the Award Given to Iran's Ambassador to the Holy See - Conferred by Pope Leo XIV


Many reports (image on right circulating on social media) have been circulating on social media about an award, Cross of the Order of Pius IX, given to the Iranian Ambassador to the Holy See, Dr. Mohammad Hossein Mokhtari:
Iran’s ambassador to the Vatican, Ayatollah Hossein Mokhtari, with the highest diplomatic honor of the Vatican, the ‘Order of Pius’ The medal was awarded for Iran’s extraordinary contributions to peace and interfaith cooperation between Christians and Muslims.

This prompted the United States' Embassy to the Holy See to issue the following clarification:
 Contrary to news reports, Pope Leo has not bestowed an exclusive special honor on the Iranian Ambassador to the Holy See. This decoration is given to all accredited ambassadors to the Holy See after 2+ years of service and has been standard practice for many years. It is a personal recognition and does not imply support or opposition to any policy or country. Thirteen ambassadors were recently given this recognition. Previous U.S. ambassadors have all received the same. Finally, the decoration was not given in person by the pope.
The Vatican Released (See https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-05/13-ambassadors-honour-two-years-service-pius-ix.html):
Honours awarded to 13 Ambassadors to the Holy See
Following two years of service as representatives to the Holy See, a group of ambassadors receives one of the Vatican's highest diplomatic honours.

Traditional honours were presented at the Vatican yesterday, May 12, to a group of ambassadors accredited to the Holy See who had completed at least two years of service in the role.

The ceremony, held on the anniversary of the Pope’s election, saw Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, Substitute for General Affairs at the Secretariat of State, present insignia and official parchments to 13 diplomats.

The ambassadors were awarded the title of Knight or Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Pius IX, one of the Holy See’s highest distinctions for diplomatic service.

About the Order of Pius IX

This award had for its founder (17 June, 1847) the pope whose name it bears. Its object is to fittingly reward noble and conspicuous deeds which merit well of Church and society, and to stimulate others to follow the illustrious example set them. At first it comprised only two classes, knights of the first class, who, upon receiving the decoration, were made nobles with hereditary succession, and knights of the second class, whose title of nobility was personal. (Source - Catholic Encyclopedia New Advent)

The Grand Cross is the highest Papal award given to lay men and women, ordinarily given to resident Ambassadors accredited to the Holy See after two years in post and rarely to exceptional Catholics in the wider world for particular services, mainly in the international field and for outstanding deeds for Church and society.

The Modern Rationale for Conferral of the Pian Order

In the modern era, the Pontifical Order of Pius IX is conferred to recognize individuals for exceptional contributions to the Catholic Church, diplomatic service, and broader society. The reasons for conferral have evolved to emphasize merit, service, and dedication to fostering relationships between the Vatican and the international community.

Some of the primary reasons for conferring the order include:

  • Diplomatic Service: Ambassadors accredited to the Holy See often receive the Grand Cross upon the completion of their service, symbolizing their efforts in strengthening ties between their nations and the Vatican.
  • Service to the Church: Laypersons who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to the Church’s mission, either through philanthropy, education, or humanitarian work, may be honored with the order.
  • Promotion of Peace and Dialogue: Recipients who have played significant roles in promoting peace, interfaith dialogue, or international cooperation are recognized for their efforts.
  • Support for Cultural and Social Causes: Individuals who contribute to preserving Catholic heritage, advancing social justice, or promoting cultural initiatives may also be considered.

Thus, the Order of Pius IX is awarded to a distinguished array of individuals, including:

  • Diplomats and Ambassadors at the conclusion of their missions to the Holy See.
  • Prominent Lay Catholics known for their service to the Church and society.
  • Heads of State and Royalty as a diplomatic gesture.
  • Business Leaders and Philanthropists who have supported Catholic institutions and humanitarian causes.
  • Academics and Cultural Figures who have contributed to the Church’s intellectual and cultural life.
  • Source - https://papalorders.ie/the-pontifical-order-of-pius-ix-the-legacy-of-papal-nobility-service-and-merit/


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