The Cross on the Sword by Peter Bander-van Duren A Suppliment to Orders of Knighthood, Awards and the Holy See

This book attests to the fact that there is nothing more ancient, more venerable, more diversified than the Orders of Chivalry that have existed or still exist, and more desired, more sought after by certain people, than a papal decoration.

It is always necessary to underline the essential differences between temporal decorations and those that are conferred by the sovereign Pontiff.

A papal knighthood is not to be viewed solely as an honour, as a reward: it also incorporates a duty and a mission, that of serving and protecting the person of the Vicar of Christ.

Papal Knights form a sort of army, on the devotion of which the Pope must be able to rely. To the Knight it is not the honour that matters but his obligations and services.

+ Jacques Cardinal Martin