This morning the President of the Italian Republic, Giorgio Napolitano, made a private visit to the Magistral Villa, the Order of Malta’s institutional Headquarters. The Head of State was received by the Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Fra’ Matthew Festing. After visiting the Church of St. Mary on the Aventine and the villa’s gardens, President Napolitano and the Grand Master enjoyed a cordial conversation.
Sovereign Military Hospitaller
Order of St John of Jerusalem of
Rhodes and of Malta
Order of St John of Jerusalem of
Rhodes and of Malta
- The Order of Malta
Mission
The Sovereign Order of Malta is one of the oldest institutions of Western and Christian civilisation.
- Government
Grand Master
Fra’ John T. Dunlap
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.
- Humanitarian and Medical Works
Hospitaller mission
The Order of Malta is permanently present with medical, social and humanitarian projects in most countries in the world.
- Diplomatic Activities
Humanitarian Diplomacy
The Sovereign Order of Malta’s diplomatic relations facilitate its medical and humanitarian activities.
- News
- Press & Publications
Latest Publication
Order of Malta Activity Report 2021
- History
1048 to the present day
The birth of the Order of St. John dates back to around 1048. It was under the leadership of Blessed Fra’ Gerard, founder and first Master, that the religious community became a lay religious order.
