Leslie Lever, Papal Award, 1969

Alderman Leslie Lever receives Papal award at St Gregory’s school, January 1969

History was made in Manchester when Alderman Leslie Lever, 63, became the first non-Catholic in Britain to become a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Gregory the Great in a ceremony that took place in the school.

The appointment – one of the rare papal honours – was made to Alderman Lever, the Jewish Labour MP for Ardwick, as a testimony to his “magnificent service, both in public and private life”. It was recognition of his magnificent contribution to Catholic life in Manchester.

Becoming only the second person in the country to receive the honour, Alderman Lever had previously had the honour of being created a Knight Commander in 1960 by Pope John XXIII. On that occasion the presentation was made in the Free Trade Hall.

On this occasion, presenting him with the Scroll of Appointment during a ceremony at the school, the Bishop of Salford, Dr Thomas Holland, told the 200 Church and civic guests of the rare distinction which had been conferred by Pope Paul VI to indicate the “unusual merits of the recipient”.

The bishop said: “He has advocated principles of decency, justice and equity which have benefited our families and schools. He has done this not only at the top level and not only by his own personal influence but he has never shirked the detail. It is this unrestricted scope which the Pope has honoured by this award.”

After receiving the scroll, Alderman Lever, a member of the Manchester City Council for 37 years, referred to the development of denominational education, which was no longer being regarded as the Cinderella of the education system. 

Alderman Lever went on to say: “I am very glad that the Minister of Education has stated that religion in schools must stay. The denominational schools will now steam ahead under their own momentum and determination.”

Among the guests at the ceremony were Sir Matt Busby – who led Manchester United to victory in the European Cup the previous summer – and Lady Busby, with both receiving a special cheer from the pupils.