The recently held Chapter of the Grand Priory of Rome has elected Comm. Fra’ Filippo Ferretti di Castelferretto to the position of Grand Prior for the period 2006 – 2012. He succeeds Bailiff Fra’ Franz von Lobstein, who was Grand Prior in two consecutive terms, 1994 – 2006. The Sovereign Council, following the Order’s Constitution, has ratified the appointment. The most sincere thanks was expressed for Bailiff Fra’ von Lobstein for his deeply appreciated contribution over twelve years of dedication to the Grand Priory.

Fra’ Filippo Ferretti di Castelferretto was born in Ancona, 19 November 1929. A lawyer, he became a member of the Order of Malta in 1993, taking permanent vows as professed knight in 2002. With his new appointment, he leaves his role as a member of the Order’s Sovereign Council, a position he has carried out with distinction since his election at the Chapter General of June 2004. From 2001 to 2006 he was also Delegate for Communication for the Grand Priory of Rome.