# Holy See reiterates chivalric orders stance

> Holy See confirms only two chivalric orders are recognized globally.
- Title: Holy See reiterates chivalric orders stance · Vaticannews
- Summary: Holy See confirms only two chivalric orders are recognized globally. The Holy See recognizes and protects only the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and the…
- Keywords: holy see, order of malta, equestrian order, chivalric orders, secretariat state, sovereign military order, religion, world, Holy, See, reiterates, chivalric
- Source: Vaticannews — https://vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-10/holy-see-secretariat-state-position-chivalric-orders.html
- Author: Vatican News
- Published: 2026-10-10T10:02:44.106+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: holy see, order of malta, equestrian order, chivalric orders, secretariat state, sovereign military order, religion, world
## Holy See reiterates chivalric orders stance
The Holy See reaffirms it recognizes and protects only the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, plus its own chivalric orders.
## Unrecognized chivalric orders
All other equestrian orders, whether newly established or claiming medieval descent, are not recognized by the Holy See for historical or juridical legitimacy.
## Policy clarification
The Holy See states it does not value knighthood diplomas from unrecognized organizations and rejects using churches for 'investiture ceremonies'.
## Key takeaway

The Holy See recognizes and protects only the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, plus its own chivalric orders.