The Order of the Holy Sepulchre…
Pius X ordained that the Order’s cape, as worn by the original knights, be a “white cloak with the cross of Jerusalem in red enamel.” Pius X assumed the title of Grand Master. The title of Grand Master is now held by a cardinal of the Roman Curia who is resident in Rome at the Palazzo della Rovere, the 15th century palace of Pope Julius II, immediately adjacent to the Vatican. It serves as the Order’s international headquarters. The Order enjoys the protection of the Holy See. The Vatican Secretariat of State, in the pope’s name, approves all appointments to the Order.
In ecclesiastical heraldry, the Order of the Holy Sepulchre is one of only two Orders whose insignia may be displayed in a clerical coat of arms. (Laypersons have no such restriction.) Knights and Ladies of the Order display their arms in the badge of the order, while Knights and Ladies of the rank Grand Cross surround their shield with a ribbon. Other ranks place the appropriate ribbon below the shield and may also display the red Jerusalem cross behind their shield.
