Prime Minister Petr Fiala receives a high papal order

On Thursday, 20 November 2025, the outgoing Prime Minister, Petr Fiala, received a high papal order - the Grand Cross of the Order of Pius IX - from the hands of the Apostolic Nuncio to the Czech Republic, Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo (Cavaliere di Gran Croce dell'Ordine Piano). The honours were conferred on him by Pope Leo XIV. It is the highest award the Holy See confers upon public life officials.

With this award, the Holy Father highlighted the Prime Minister's long-standing contribution to the defence of fundamental social and moral values, the promotion of religious freedom and respect for different faiths. "His commitment to protecting religious freedom, whether as a university professor or as Prime Minister, demonstrates his determination to ensure the right to freedom of conscience and religion for all citizens of the Czech Republic. His efforts to preserve his nation's spiritual heritage and to seek lasting peace in conflict areas underscores his commitment to the higher principles of cohesion and tolerance, dialogue and unity," said Apostolic Nuncio Jude Thaddeus Okolo during the award ceremony at the Archbishop's Palace in Prague.

He added that the award was an expression of recognition of the Prime Minister's unwavering defence of noble values in society - values that transcend politics and speak to the soul of the nation. "At a time that is often marked by relativism, division and doubt, Prime Minister Fiala stands firmly on the side of truth, justice and human dignity, and supports a society in which freedom of thought and respect for all faiths are not just ideals, but a living reality."

"It is a great honour for me. I am happy the policy my team and I have been pursuing is appreciated in this way. Its aim was for us to live in a better and safer environment, where human dignity is respected, where peace and justice prevail. The Vatican has an important voice in these efforts in the international environment and is an important partner for us," said Prime Minister Petr Fiala, adding that the award had a profound dimension for him as a man of faith. "The award is also an encouragement for me to continue to uphold the values on which my politics have been based. Decency, respect for others, fairness, politics as a service, the courage to go against the flow - we cannot abandon these values just because they are no longer fashionable. Without them, we will live in a much worse world. I also see the award as a commitment to remain faithful to such a policy."

Order of Pius IX. (Ordine di Pio IX) is a papal order of chivalry founded in 1847 by Pope Pius IX. It draws on the older knightly retinue of Pius IV, which ceased to exist after his death. Until 1939, those receiving the Order also became noblemen. The Order is awarded to Catholics and non-Catholics alike for services to the papacy and the Church. Since 1996, women have also been eligible. The Order comprises five classes, from the highest rank earmarked for heads of State down to to the basic Knight/Dame rank.

The Grand Cross rank is traditionally reserved for Prime Ministers and Ambassadors. The badge consists of a golden, blue enamelled eight-pointed star with the PIVS IX medallion and the motto VIRTVTI ET MERITO. The ribbon is blue with two red stripes.