The Grand Hospitaller of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Josef D. Blotz, concluded a five-day visit to Romania from 21 to 25 September 2026, reaffirming the Order’s close ties with the Romanian Association and the Romanian Relief Service.

The visit began in Bucharest with a meeting with State Secretary Raed Arafat of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This exchange provided an opportunity to highlight the longstanding cooperation between the Order of Malta and Romanian institutions in addressing social and humanitarian challenges.

Accompanied throughout his journey by representatives of the Romanian Association and of the Relief Service of the Order of Malta, the Grand Hospitaller travelled across several regions of Romania, visiting a number of the Order’s centres and programmes in Păuleasca, Micfalău, Sfântu Gheorghe, Valea Crișului, Miercurea Ciuc, Blaj, Aiud and Cluj-Napoca. The visits provided a comprehensive overview of the wide range of services delivered by the Romanian Relief Service, including social assistance, educational initiatives, support for vulnerable families, care for elderly persons and programmes for people with disabilities.

Throughout the visit, the Grand Hospitaller met beneficiaries, volunteers, staff members and leaders of the Romanian Association, witnessing the tangible impact of the Order’s commitment to supporting those most in need. He also met with the Apostolic Nuncio to Romania, Archbishop Giampiero Gloder, and participated in moments of prayer and reflection with local communities.

A particular highlight of the programme was the visit to the Maltese Special Kindergarten in Cluj-Napoca, a highly regarded initiative dedicated to children with special educational needs. The Grand Hospitaller met educators, therapists and caregivers and observed the personalised support provided to each child. Combining professional expertise with genuine care and human warmth, the kindergarten reflects the Order of Malta’s commitment to promoting the dignity, inclusion and development of every person, especially the most vulnerable.

The visit highlighted the remarkable scope of the Order of Malta’s activities in Romania and the invaluable contribution made by its volunteers and professionals. Through an extensive network of centres and programmes, the Romanian Association and the Romanian Relief Service continue to provide hope, care and practical support to thousands of vulnerable people, faithfully carrying forward the Order’s mission of service to the poor and the sick.