A packed programme of meetings with senior state officials will mark Grand Master Fra’ John T. Dunlap’s official visit to the Baltic States. The visit will begin in Lithuania on 7 June, continue in Latvia on 9 June and conclude in Estonia on 11 June.

The visit represents an important opportunity to reaffirm the excellent bilateral relations between the Order of Malta and the three Baltic countries. These ties were further strengthened in 2025 with the establishment of the Delegation of the Baltic States, the nucleus of a future Association of the Order of Malta bringing together Knights and Dames from Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Discussions will focus on enhancing cooperation, strengthening the Order’s activities across the region, and addressing the challenges posed by current global crises.

The programme will open on 7 June in Vilnius, where the Grand Master will deliver an address at the opening ceremony of the 6th World Apostolic Congress on Mercy. The Congress will bring together more than 5,000 faithful from around the world for a period of prayer, reflection and dialogue.

The following day, the Grand Master will undertake a State visit to Lithuania. Together with the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, and the First Lady, Diana Nausėdienė, he will visit the stand of the Order’s relief organisation in Simonas Daukantas Square and meet its members and volunteers. The Order has been present in Lithuania since 1991 and is currently active in 44 locations through the work of more than 2,000 volunteers and 214 employees.

On 9 June, the Grand Master will travel to Latvia for an official visit. He will be welcomed by the President of the Republic of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, and will also meet the Speaker of the Saeima, Daiga Mieriņa. The visit coincides with the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Order of Malta and Latvia and will further strengthen the close cooperation between them.

During his stay, the Grand Master will visit the “Sarah’s Garden” day centre, which is dedicated to improving the quality of life of people living with dementia. At the same time, Grand Chancellor Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo will meet the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže.

The visit will conclude in Estonia on 11 June, where the Grand Master is scheduled to pay an official visit to the President of the Republic of Estonia, Alar Karis. He will also meet the Speaker of the Riigikogu, Lauri Hussar. Grand Chancellor Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo will hold talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Margus Tsahkna, during which a cooperation agreement will be signed to support the development of social impact projects in the country.

The Grand Master will also visit the Vilmsi nursing home, reflecting the Order’s commitment to ensuring dignified care for older people and promoting compassion and inclusion. Active in Estonia through its relief corps since 2023, the Order now supports more than 60 care centres and innovative social projects, with around 300 volunteers engaged in activities promoting social inclusion among the most vulnerable members of society.