Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice founded by Leo XIII
History
The medal was established by Leo XIII on 17 July 1888 to commemorate his golden sacerdotal jubilee and was originally bestowed on those men and women who had aided and promoted the jubilee, and by other means assisted in making the jubilee and the Vatican Exposition successful.In 1898, it became a permanent papal distinction. Pius X reduced the classes to a single one in 1908.Until 1993, it was the highest honour that could be obtained by women.