The Sovereign Order of Malta is one of the oldest institutions of Western and Christian civilisation.
According to the Constitution, as the religious Superior and Sovereign, he must fully dedicate himself to the development of the works of the Order and to set an example of living by Christian principles, to all the members of the Order of Malta.
The Order of Malta is permanently present with medical, social and humanitarian projects in most countries in the world.
The Sovereign Order of Malta’s diplomatic relations facilitate its medical and humanitarian activities.
The birth of the Order of St. John dates back to around 1048. It was under the leadership of Blessed Fra’ Gerard, founder and first Master, that the religious community became a lay religious order.
Over 11,000 volunteers from the Order of Malta’s French Association have raised funds for treating people affected by leprosy, a disease still present in 100 countries. 260,000 new cases were identified in 2007, of which 10% are young people under 14 years of age.
Research and assistance to the sick are priorities of the Ordre de Malte France, which has programmes for identifying new cases and treatment and rehabilitation units in Africa, Asia and South America.
The Order of Malta and its national Association, Order of Malta Lebanon, announced the launch of the 'Harvesting Hope, Growing Resilience' agro-humanitarian programme to ensure food security, promote economic recovery and support the country's most vulnerable population groups.
The Alliance of the Orders of Saint John meet on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 April, hosted by the Sovereign Order of Malta in the Magistral Palace of Rome, for two days of prayer, reflections and initiatives.
The Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the United Nations in New York, Paul Beresford-Hill, and the Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of Malta to Palestine, Michele Bowe, met UN General Secretary, António Guterres, yesterday Monday 8 April at the UN headquarters.
