Lost History – The Pope’s golden roses
Sometime in the unrecorded haze of early papal history, a peculiar and extravagant practice began. Over centuries, gold carved roses became a ritual of recognition for virtuous acts conducted by prominent Catholics around the world.
Before the reign of Sixtus IV (1471-84), the Vatican’s floral bounty was a single bloom atop a thorny stem, light enough for the Holy Father to carry in one hand. Over generations, the design of these lavish presents became increasingly intricate until they exemplified the sophistication of European artistry and weighed more than any single man could carry. It is claimed that the custom of commissioning and gifting these ruby-encrusted flowers supplanted the tradition of Popes awarding the Golden Keys to St Peter’s to loyal catholic leaders.
The exact cause of this convention, however, remains mired in speculation and mystery. What we do know is that in 1051, Pope Leo IX described the institution as an “ancient practice”. Some attribute the rite to the reign of Charlemagne, others to later kings who championed the interests and aspirations of the Catholic Church. It likely started once the Papacy returned to its original seat in Rome from its exile in Avignon.
Numerous princes and princesses were sent the golden gift for their saintly behaviour or for their assistance to the papacy in times of crisis. In the Middle Ages, the benefaction was overwhelmingly reserved for female giftees, as male monarchs were usually awarded a sword and hat blessed by the Vicar of Christ himself. The orthodox offering of the beautiful bouquet to mainly female recipients was upreared when worthy emperors, kings or princes were present in Rome on Laetare Sundays – the designated day for the official blessing of these splendid gifts. Symbolising hope and joy in the midst of Lent’s solemn formality, the Pope would poetically pray over the metal flowers and bestow a blessing before their bestowment.
There is no limit to how many roses can be given to a single person. Henry VIII received three separate blooms from three Popes during his controversial reign. Places, as well as people, are also afforded the finest present the Vatican has to provide, and since Paul VI (1963-78) only locations have obtained the gleaming blossoms. The last person to be presented with the Pope’s golden roses was Charlotte, Grand Duchess of Luxemburg, in 1956.
Almost as sacred as a relic and as fine as any Fabergé egg, the Pope’s golden roses are not only meant to gladden the good people whom they are given to but also to remind them to strive further in the pursuit of earthly perfection. As the author of The Sacramentals of the Holy Church, Fr. William J Barry wrote: “the papal gift reminds its royal recipients that the lustre of his or her virtue ought to be like the glitter of gold among the metals and the brilliancy of the rose among the flowers”.
Though the custom of individuals receiving the exquisite gift has come to an abrupt and inexplicable end, this is not to say that someday soon, a person will prove deserving enough to have one of the most expensive flowers ever adorning their mantelpiece.