BENEMERENTI. — This is the title of the medal instituted by the Supreme Pontiffs, from Pius VII onwards, for those who, by outstanding deeds, have deserved a public testimony of sovereign approval. The medal comes in three sizes: large, medium, and small, depending on the acts to be rewarded.
Gregory XVI in 1831 had a special medium-sized B. medal struck to reward subjects who had remained faithful to the papal government during the disastrous events of 1831, and Pius IX did the same in 1848 for those who had fought at Ferrara, Bologna, and Vicenza, and in 1849 for those soldiers who had remained loyal to him. Pius X, in 1910, created a special B. medal to be granted preferably to military personnel. Pius XI, in 1925, instituted two special B. medals for those who had rendered distinguished service (both institutions and individuals) to the missionary exhibition and the celebration of the Holy Year. There is also a special B. medal for the Palatine Guard of Honour of His Holiness.
The B. medal, a badge of honour, is currently awarded by the Supreme Pontiff through a diploma issued by the Secretariat of State. Along with the diploma, the medal is presented to the recipient.
It is made of metal (gold, silver, and bronze): on the obverse it bears the effigy of the reigning Pontiff and an inscription recalling his name; on the reverse, a laurel wreath and the inscription: B.; it is suspended from a yellow ribbon with white edging on the sides and is pinned to the chest.