Benemerenti medal
| Benemerenti Medal | |
|---|---|
Obverse and reverse of the medal | |
| Awarded for | Long (>3 years) and exceptional service to the Catholic Church |
| Country | Holy See |
| Presented by | Pope Leo XIV |
| Eligibility | Clergy and laity |
| Status | Active |
| Established | 1832 |
Ribbon of the medal | |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice |
| Next (lower) | Lateran Cross Jerusalem Pilgrim's Cross |
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The Benemerenti Medal (Italian: Croce pro Benemerenti, lit. 'Cross for Meritorious [Service]') 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.