The Pontifical Society was founded in
1999 and is a select group of learned individuals recognising and
fostering individual achievements among a diverse array of
disciplines. Although ecumenical in nature, it is sponsored by and part of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church and affiliated with Pontifical Georgian College. It is under the patronage of His Apostolic Highness the Roman-Ruthenian Pope.
Candidates must be nominated by two or more Fellows, then approved for Fellowship status via approval by the Board of Governors. Fellows have been recognised for their important contributions in the arts, journalism, medicine, economics, mathematics, physics, and international relations, and for military and civil service. Royalty, American Presidents, international clergy, Olympic athletes, and luminaries of the arts, entertainment, and sciences have been honoured. Prior to 2022, it was known as the Patriarchal and Royal Society of Arts and Sciences.
