Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana

The Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana (frequently abbreviated OMRI) is the highest of the orders of the Italian Republic and is awarded for contributions in the fields of literature, the arts, economics, public service, and social, philanthropic, and humanitarian activities. The president of Italy is head of the Order, governed by a council composed of a chancellor and sixteen members. The OMRI is divided into the following honorable degrees:

Cavaliere di Gran Croce decorato di Gran Cordone: Knight of the Grand Cross with Collar
Cavaliere di Gran Croce: 1st Class / Knight of the Grand Cross
Grande Ufficiale: 2nd Class / Grand Officer
Commendatore: 3rd Class / Commander
Ufficiale: 4th Class / Officer
Cavaliere (also called Cavaliere della Repubblica): 5th Class / Knight