Dear Editor,

Your recent article published on the 8th of October, contained statements that do not correspond to reality regarding the Government and its management of the Order of Malta.

In particular, certain information concerning the Grand Master, members of the Sovereign Council, and the new Receiver of the Common Treasure is incorrect or misleading. For example, contrary to the false assertion of the journalist, the Grand Master has never asked for, nor received, reimbursements for personal expenses or any expenses unrelated to his official duties as Grand Master.

Further, the journalist demonstrates no understanding of the complexity involved in the administration of the Order’s worldwide assets. His comments do not take into consideration the nature of a sovereign institution with centuries of history. It is well-known, for example, that the Italian Order’s real estate assets, extensive but complicated, have been shaped by decisions and conditions developed over many decades. These decisions are easily, if inaccurately, judged with hindsight, but certainly require today an extraordinary effort to manage effectively. The current Sovereign Council has long since launched a broad programme of enhancement and reorganisation, based on criteria of efficiency, transparency and responsibility, which is already producing concrete results. It is very odd that the individual who, in the recent past, failed to contribute to this reform effort is now described as a source of good judgement and inspiration.

The Order of Malta is a sovereign subject of international law, with diplomatic relations with over 115 States and humanitarian activities in more than 130 countries. Therefore, all expenses related to diplomatic activity correspond to institutional and state needs: official visits, relations with governments and institutions, coordination of hospital and humanitarian works worldwide.

The article thus does not reflect the concrete reality of the Order: thousands of volunteers and humanitarian workers engage every day in hospitals, war zones, refugee camps, and health emergencies on every continent. From the Holy Land to Ukraine, from Lebanon to Africa, the Order of Malta provides assistance to hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people, without distinction of faith or nationality.

The Order of Malta deserves respect, a respect that is not a gift, but the result of a thousand years of service, dedication, and fidelity to the Christian and humanitarian values that have guided its mission.

Any representation of the Order that does not take this overall reality into account will inevitably be partial and misleading.

Despite biased and false attacks, the Order will continue its mission of service with firmness and transparency, faithful to its millennial motto “Tuitio Fidei et obsequium pauperum”.

Fra’ Richard Wolff
Vice President of the Board of Communications
Sovereign Military Order of Malta