The National President of the Italian Red Cross, Rosario Maria Gianluca Valastro, was received yesterday at the Magistral Palace by the Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Fra’ John T. Dunlap.

During the ceremony, President Valastro conferred upon the Grand Master the Grand Cross of Merit of the Italian Red Cross, the organisation’s highest distinction. Established in 1917, the Grand Cross is awarded for outstanding merit and is reserved in particular for Heads of State and members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Recent recipients include the President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella, Prince Albert II of Monaco and former President of the Italian Republic Giorgio Napolitano.

The conferral upon Fra’ John Dunlap is therefore of particular significance, given the prestige and nature of the distinction, which is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to humanitarian action and the protection of the most vulnerable. The insignia was presented to the Grand Master in the “Salone d’Onore” at the Magistral Palace, following talks between the two delegations.

In turn, the Grand Master conferred upon President Valastro the Grand Cross of the Order pro Merito Melitensi, as a sign of commitment to further strengthening the longstanding ties of friendship and humanitarian cooperation between the Order of Malta and the Italian Red Cross. The two institutions have for many years collaborated throughout Italy, particularly in emergency situations, where their joint presence helps strengthen the response to crises.

Taking part in the talks on behalf of the Order of Malta were Grand Hospitaller Josef D. Blotz, member of the Sovereign Council Clemente Riva di Sanseverino and the Order of Malta’s Ambassador to the Italian Republic, Stefano Ronca. The Italian Red Cross delegation included, among others, Secretary General Massimiliano Geoli and Special Adviser to the National President, Don Luigi Castiello.

During a fruitful exchange of views on current crisis situations, the Grand Hospitaller outlined the Order’s humanitarian activities in some of the most complex contexts, including Gaza and Ukraine. Possible areas of collaboration were therefore identified with a view to further extending the synergy between the two institutions.