The Golden Rose

The institution of the Golden Rose dates from the year 1049, under the pontificate of Leo IX. This Pope, wishing to establish his right of patronage over the Monastery of the Holy Cross in Alsace, exacted from it every year a golden rose. This custom still exists, and the rose is blessed by the Pope on the fourth Sunday in Lent. Formerly, in the solemn papal procession of the day, the Pope carried it in his left hand, while with his right he blessed the people.

It is usually presented to the individual or the city which, during the year, has best deserved the favors of the Holy See.

The rose weighs two ounces, and was formerly colored red to signify the blood of the Redeemer shed for his people. It is now made only in pale gold.

The gold, as the noblest of metals, is intended to represent Christ; and the fragrance of the rose refers to his resurrection.

The Republic of Venice, which was the birthplace of several popes, possessed five of these roses in the treasury of St. Mark's Church; but during the wars they were lost or stolen.