The Sovereign Order of Malta is one of the oldest institutions of Western and Christian civilisation.
According to the Constitution, as the religious Superior and Sovereign, he must fully dedicate himself to the development of the works of the Order and to set an example of living by Christian principles, to all the members of the Order of Malta.
The Order of Malta is permanently present with medical, social and humanitarian projects in most countries in the world.
The Sovereign Order of Malta’s diplomatic relations facilitate its medical and humanitarian activities.
The birth of the Order of St. John dates back to around the second half of the 11th century. It was under the leadership of Blessed Fra’ Gerard, founder and first Master, that the religious community became a lay religious order.
In a bilateral meeting on 25 September in New York between Grand Chancellor Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo and the Prime Minister of Tonga, Aisake Valu Eke, the initiation of diplomatic relations and humanitarian initiatives of common interest were discussed.
In expressing his appreciation for the Order of Malta’s mission and activities, the Prime Minister said he was committed to continuing the dialogue and cooperation between Tonga and the Order of Malta.
On 23 June 2026, the Constitutional Charter and the Melitense Code were published on the official website of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, in light of the amendments contained in the Rescriptum approved by the Holy Father.
On Monday 22nd June, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem blessed the Order of Malta’s clinic in Gaza City, in the presence of His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem and all Palestine and Jordan.
Today, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta’s Grand Chancellor, Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, received the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Peru, Carlos José Pareja Ríos, in the Magistral Palace.
