Miniature gilt metal cross barbée with laterally-pierced ball suspension; the face with the full-length figures of Saints Peter and Paul facing forwards centrally, inscribed to left, right and below ‘PRO ECCLESIA’ ‘ET PONTIFICE’ ‘PAULUS VIº PP’ (for Church and Pontiff Paul VI Pope), the Papal arms above, a cross potent to left, right and below; the reverse plain gilt; diameter 15.92mm (0.63inch); on original ribbon in the Papal colours mounted for wear. The Bene Merenti (well-deserved) Medal was instituted by Pope Gregory XVI in 1832 to be awarded for long and exceptional service to the Church. This good example is from the Papacy of Pope Paul VI, 1963 to 1978.
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