The Supreme Order of Christ is the highest order of chivalry, awarded by the Pope. According to historical records, it owes its origin to the order of the same name, The Military Order of Christ.
This order's origin lies in the Knights Templar, founded circa 1119. Almost 200 years after their foundation, the Templars were being persecuted by the Tyrant King Philip IV of France, who heavily swayed Pope Clement V to eventually disband them through the papal bull, Vox in excelso dated March 22nd, 1312. But with the protection of King Denis I the wise of Portugal and under the patronage of Saint Benedict the Order of Christ was founded as the reconstituted Knights Templar in Tomar, King Denis, refused to pursue and persecute the former knights as had occurred in other sovereign states and negotiated successfully with Pope Clement's successor, Pope John XXII, the recognition of the new order in 1317, and for those knights who survived the mass slaughter, they inherited the Templar assets and property.
Pope John XXII granted the papal bull, Ad ea ex quibus, on the 14 of March 1319. The knights of the order were committed to vows of poverty, chastity and obedience and had originally both a secular and religious component.
This order's origin lies in the Knights Templar, founded circa 1119. Almost 200 years after their foundation, the Templars were being persecuted by the Tyrant King Philip IV of France, who heavily swayed Pope Clement V to eventually disband them through the papal bull, Vox in excelso dated March 22nd, 1312. But with the protection of King Denis I the wise of Portugal and under the patronage of Saint Benedict the Order of Christ was founded as the reconstituted Knights Templar in Tomar, King Denis, refused to pursue and persecute the former knights as had occurred in other sovereign states and negotiated successfully with Pope Clement's successor, Pope John XXII, the recognition of the new order in 1317, and for those knights who survived the mass slaughter, they inherited the Templar assets and property.
Pope John XXII granted the papal bull, Ad ea ex quibus, on the 14 of March 1319. The knights of the order were committed to vows of poverty, chastity and obedience and had originally both a secular and religious component.