Order of Pope Pius IX
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The Order of Pope Pius IX, also referred as the Pian Order, is a papal order of knighthood originally founded by Pope Pius IV in 1560. Currently, it is the highest honor conferred by the Holy See. The awarding of the order fell into disuse and was re-instituted by Pope Pius IX as a continuation on 17 June 1847.
Pope Pius IV, founded the first Pian Order in 1560.
1893 artistic sketch of the medal
Pope Pius IX, re-instituted the Pian Order under his Papal name and pontificate in 1847.
Albert II of Belgium
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Albert II is a member of the Belgian royal family who reigned as King of the Belgians from 9 August 1993 to 21 July 2013.
Albert (right) and his brother Baudouin, c. 1940
King Albert II and Queen Paola with US President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush at the Royal Palace of Brussels in 2005