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.
The recently elected Grand Master of the Order of Malta, His Most Eminent Highness Fra’ Matthew Festing, was received this morning in private audience by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican.
The very cordial occasion marked the first meeting between the new Grand Master and the Pontiff.
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.
