The papal order that once allowed knights to ride horses inside St. Peter's

Countries & Cities · Published 13 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Order of St. Sylvester is one of the five highest honors awarded directly by the Pope. While it serves as a prestigious recognition of professional mastery and service, its history is a complex tale of rebranding, prestige management, and a transition from medieval military privilege to modern diplomatic honor.

Once titled the Golden Militia or Militia of the Golden Spur, this award remains a highly esteemed papal honour with ancient roots. Its prestige was historically diluted by lavish bestowal to groups like the Sforza family and the College of Abbreviators. To restore its "ancient glory," Pope Gregory XVI issued a Papal Brief in 1841. He placed the order under the patronage of St. Sylvester, withdrew all previous faculties, and strictly limited the number of members to 150 Commanders and 300 Knights within the Papal States.

The order's structure underwent significant evolution in the 20th century. In 1905, Pope Pius X divided the Sylvestrine Order into two distinct entities: the Order of St. Sylvester and the Order of the Golden Militia. In 1994, Pope John Paul II further modernized the order by extending membership to include ladies. Today, the order consists of four classes, ranging from Knight/Dame to Knight/Dame Grand Cross. While the order is primarily for Catholic laypeople involved in the life of the Church, it is also conferred upon non-Catholics, including members of other Christian denominations, Muslims, and Jews.

Membership does not carry specific legal obligations, but it carries significant ceremonial weight. Knights are traditionally invited to major diocesan events, such as the consecration of bishops, where they wear a formal uniform consisting of a black coat with gilt buttons, gold-embroidered collars, and a bicornered cocked silk hat. The decoration itself is a gold cross with a white enamelled surface, featuring the image of St. Sylvester and the inscription "SANC. SYLVESTER P. M." (Pontifex Maximus). Notable recipients include historical figures like Oskar Schindler and William Joseph Donovan, as well as contemporary diplomats and philanthropists.

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