What 1,000 years of golden roses tell us about popes’ authority and influence, from Leo IX to Leo XIV
Popes have bestowed golden roses on warriors, rulers, women – and, increasingly in recent decades, shrines.
The golden rose, a ceremonial object associated with the papacy, has remained an enduring symbol over the course of a millennium. Today, the oldest surviving rose resides at the Musée de Cluny in Paris, dating back to the early 1300s. Despite the disappearance of most medieval papal objects, this particular rose has persisted through centuries of changing roles and symbolic meanings.
Originating in the 11th century, the golden rose was initially a token of feudal allegiance, wherein a nunnery in Alsace offered one to Pope Leo IX in exchange for exemption from local bishop authority. Over time, the role of the rose shifted dramatically. Following Urban II's First Crusade in 1096, the pope began presenting the rose to reward recipients for their support, particularly military leaders and defenders of Christian lands.
During the Avignon papacy in the 14th century, the ceremony expanded further, becoming an opportunity for the pope to strengthen diplomatic ties with influential figures. The rose was presented as a gesture of submission by warriors, women, and even shrines. Its presentation on Laetare Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent, served as a reminder of the beauty and joy that can emerge from Lent, while also acknowledging the recipient's commitment to protecting the church.
The golden rose, thus, served as a powerful diplomatic tool, reflecting the shifts in papal power and the evolving nature of the church's communication strategy throughout history.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
