Today, at the celebrations on the occasion of the Independence Day of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky conferred the Order of Merit of the 3rd degree on the Apostolic Nuncio in Ukraine, Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti.
Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti has been the Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine since November 13, 2015. On July 4, 2020, Pope Francis appointed Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti as Apostolic Nuncio to the United Kingdom.
The Order of Merit of the I, II, III degrees is a state award of Ukraine for distinguishing outstanding services of citizens in economic, scientific, socio-cultural, military, state, public and other sectors of public activity.
The Order of Merit III degree is awarded to employees of embassies of foreign States in Ukraine, well-known state, political, public figures, artists, scientists, businessmen and others.
The badge of the Order of Merit III degree is made of nickel silver and has the form of a cross with rounded ends, superimposed on a medallion with the image of a plant ornament. The sides of the cross are covered with crimson enamel. In the middle of the cross, there is an image of the Small State Emblem of Ukraine - Trident in a wreath of oak and laurel branches on a blue background. The wreath, the Trident, and the arms of the cross are gilded. The medallion is made of oxidized silver.