What 1,000 years of golden roses tell us about popes’ authority and influence, from Leo IX to Leo XIV

By Joëlle Rollo-Koster, Professor Emerita of Medieval History, University of Rhode Island

Almost every ceremonial object or ornament of the medieval papal monarchy has disappeared or lost its original purpose. Yet one survives: the golden rose.

On Sept. 26, 2026, during Pope Leo XIV’s visit to France, he traveled to Lourdes, home to one of the world’s most famous shrines to the Virgin Mary. After praying, Leo presented a golden rose to Our Lady of Lourdes – the fifth time he has

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