The Grand Chancellor of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, today received at the Magistral Palace David Smith MP, the United Kingdom’s special envoy for freedom of religion or belief.
The meeting was an important opportunity to exchange views and assessments on issues of religious freedom, humanitarian assistance and international cooperation. The Grand Chancellor expressed appreciation for the UK’s focus on protecting freedom of religion as a priority of British diplomacy and a key element in building pluralistic and peaceful societies.
Paternò also illustrated the Order of Malta’s commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue and freedom of belief. While maintaining a strong Catholic identity, the Order traditionally operates on the principle of neutrality in humanitarian assistance, offering help to anyone in need, regardless of faith or ethnic or political affiliation. In many of the Order’s projects, for example in the Middle East, personnel and beneficiaries belong to different religious denominations, helping to create concrete examples of cooperation and coexistence.
During the talks, satisfaction was expressed for the strengthening of institutional relations between the Sovereign Order of Malta and the United Kingdom, also with regards to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on 9 October 2024, initiating official relations through the exchange of representatives and opening new channels of cooperation, in particular in the field of humanitarian activities and emergency interventions in international crisis theatres.
Finally, the Order of Malta’s participation in the international debate on religious freedom was discussed, also carried out through initiatives with institutions and research centres, including a series of round tables involving high-level international experts. In this context, the possibility of developing further moments of joint discussion on these issues was evaluated.
At the conclusion of the visit, David Smith MP met with the Grand Master of the Order of Malta, Fra’ John T. Dunlap, reflecting their shared commitment to promoting interreligious dialogue to foster pathways to peace.
The Order of Malta’s Humanitarian Activities in the UK
The collaboration between the Order of Malta and the United Kingdom belongs to a long tradition of historic relations and charitable engagement. In the country, the Order is represented by the Grand Priory of England, founded in 1144, and the British Association, established in 1875.
The Order’s organizations are active in numerous social and welfare programmes. These include initiatives to support the elderly, the disabled, the homeless and those recovering from addiction through social canteens, meal provision and care and reintegration services in several UK cities, thanks also to the commitment of the Companions of the Order of Malta.
The Orders of St. John Care Trust, supported by the Order of Malta, operates over 70 residences and care facilities specialising in the care of the elderly and patients suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s, with around 3,000 residents assisted and almost 4,800 providers.
One of the most active bodies in youth volunteering is the Order of Malta Volunteers (OMV) group, where hundreds of young volunteers organize recreational activities and socializing moments for people with disabilities. In Scotland, the Order of Malta’s Dial-a-Journey service provides assisted transportation for elderly or people with reduced mobility.
In addition to its social activities in the country, the British Association also contributes significantly to the Order’s international activities, raising funds for humanitarian emergencies and supporting projects in various crisis contexts, including assistance to populations affected by the war in Ukraine.
