Today the Royal Family bestows the Knighthood on Roman Catholic men and women who render significant services to charity, philanthropy, and inter-religious understanding. Our Order is recognized by the United Nations, the Holy See, the Italian Republic, and the US Government, among others. In fact, Knights and Dames of the Order in the US armed forces are permitted to wear our decorations on their dress uniforms.

The Royal Order of Francis I was founded by King Francis I of the Two Sicilies, in 1829 as the first Royal Knighthood to recognize merit and accomplishment in the areas of science, art, industry, agriculture and commerce. Today, this Order is awarded for services to charity and includes many Catholic and non-Catholic men and women among its membership. Its members are encouraged through their talents to support the mission of the Royal Orders in their social good works.