Knights of Malta

The Latest

Fra’ John T. Dunlap, Lieutenant of the Grand Master of the Order of Malta.

The Order of Malta has a new head, but has it lost its sovereignty?

Jun 14, 2022

By Andrea Gagliarducci

The Canadian-born lawyer Fra’ John T. Dunlap will serve as the Lieutenant of Grand Master. Read more

Pope Francis meets with the Order of Malta's Fra’ Marco Luzzago on June 25, 2021.

Behind the Order of Malta’s reform debate is a clash of two visions

Mar 31, 2022

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Pope Francis will decide which of the two world views prevails. Read more

Cardinal Silvano Maria Tomasi.

‘Our future is in danger’: 1,000-year-old Order of Malta in turmoil amid crunch talks

Jan 26, 2022

By Andrea Gagliarducci

A meeting on reform of the order’s constitution has exposed deep tensions. Read more

Albrecht von Boeselager.

Top official won’t join Order of Malta reform working group, citing threat to sovereignty

Jan 20, 2022

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Albrecht von Boeselager announced his decision in a letter to senior officials. Read more

The flag of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.

The Order of Malta’s new statutes could dilute its sovereignty forever

Jan 19, 2022

By Andrea Gagliarducci

The reform process is entering a critical stage. Read more

The funeral of Fra’ Matthew Festing, the Order of Malta’s 79th Grand Master, takes place at St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, Malta, Dec. 3, 2021.

PHOTOS: The funeral of Fra’ Matthew Festing, the Order of Malta’s 79th Grand Master

Dec 4, 2021

By CNA Staff

He was interred in the Crypt of the Grand Masters at St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta. Read more

An Order of Malta ambulance in Dublin, Ireland.

The Order of Malta: Serving in a time of crisis 

Oct 24, 2020

By Ed Condon

On October 23, CNA interviewed HE Albrecht Freiherr von Boeselager, Grand Chancellor of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, about... Read more

Pope Francis with Fra' Giacomo Dalla Torre, Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, at the Vatican, June 22, 2018.

Order of Malta leader restricts use of extraordinary form within order

Jun 11, 2019

By Hannah Brockhaus

The recently installed head of the Knights of Malta directed Monday that all liturgical ceremonies within the community must use... Read more

The coat of arms of the Knights of Malta.

Order of Malta to provide first aid at World Youth Day

Jan 22, 2019

By Andrea Gagliarducci

There will be 120 volunteers of the Order of Malta in Panama for World Youth Day, with the task of... Read more

Archbishop Giovanni Becciu, substitute of the Secretariat of State, aboard the papal flight to Colombo, Jan. 12, 2015.

Pope Francis extends mandate of special delegate to Knights of Malta

May 4, 2018

By Hannah Brockhaus

Fifteen months after appointing Archbishop Giovanni Angelo Becciu as his personal envoy to the Knights of Malta, Pope Francis extended... Read more

Fra Giacomo Dalla Torre.

Knights of Malta elect Dalla Torre 80th Grand Master

May 2, 2018

By Hannah Brockhaus

Fra’ Giacomo Dalla Torre was elected Wednesday the 80th Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, a position usually... Read more

Knights of Malta appoint interim leader, reinstate Grand Chancellor

Jan 28, 2017

By Elise Harris

After Pope Francis asked Knights of Malta Grand Master Matthew Festing to resign earlier this week, the Order has accepted... Read more

Robert Matthew Festing of Order of Malta at a photography exhibition at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, April 14, 2016.

Knights of Malta Grand Master to resign at request of Pope Francis

Jan 25, 2017

By Elise Harris, Carl Bunderson

The Knights of Malta have confirmed that Matthew Festing, the Prince and Grand Master of the Order, has agreed to... Read more

St. Peter's Basilica.

Knights of Malta rebuff Vatican probe into dismissal of leader

Dec 24, 2016

By Elise Harris

Two days after the announcement that Pope Francis has established a group to look into the circumstances regarding the recent... Read more

Cardinal Raymond Burke, patron of the Knights of Malta, says Mass in Rome for the Summorum Pontificum pilgrimage, Oct. 25, 2014.

Cardinal Burke opens up about his new office with Knights of Malta

Nov 29, 2014

By Jan Bentz

On Nov. 8 the Vatican announced the transfer of Cardinal Raymond Burke from prefect of the Apostolic Signatura, which ensures... Read more