PRO ECCLESIA ET PONTIFICE. – Decoration (cross) instituted by Leo XIII with the apostolic letter Quod singulari Dei concessu of 17 July 1888 (Acta Leonis XIII, 8 [1889], p. 259), so that it might remain as a memorial of his priestly jubilee and as a token of his benevolence towards those who had particularly zealously contributed to the collection and exhibition of the gifts offered to the Holy Father on that occasion.
The decoration, in gold, silver, and bronze, takes the form of a cross with four lilies interposed, which render it distinctive. In the centre it bears a medallion reproducing the bust of Leo XIII and the inscription LEO XIII P. M. AN. X. The arms of the cross are adorned with comets, which together with the lilies recall the arms of the Pecci family. On the reverse of the medallion are the tiara and pontifical keys with the inscription P. E. ET P. and on the reverse of the arms of the cross is read PRID(IE) KAL(ENDAS) JAN(UARIIS) 1888. This decoration is worn on the left side of the chest, suspended from a purple ribbon edged with white and yellow.
It was subsequently retained and intended to recognise acts of devotion towards the Church and the Papacy. In 1908 Pius X decreed that this cross should be distributed only in gold.