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Miniature gilt cross with three transverse arms, with eyelet for ribbon suspension; the face with the three-tiered Papal Tiara imposed centrally, the upper and lower arms inscribed ‘PRO DEO’ and ‘PONTIFICE’ (For God and Pontiff) respectively; the reverse plain gilt; diameter 9.56mm (0.38 inch); on original ribbon. The Decoration was established in 1890 and originally awarded to the Papal Zouaves, Catholic volunteers, especially from France and the Low Countries, who had defended the Holy See from 1859 to 1870 during the Italian Risorgimento. It was later awarded also to those who defended the Church in the media, politics and the arts. The Decoration is rarely found, especially in miniature.
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