Sovereign Military Order of Malta

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Gravure de Fra Gerard fondateur des Hospitaliers de Saint-Jean

Tiziano, cavaliere di malta

Battle of Lepanto 1571

Emperor Paul in the Crown of the Grand Master of the Order of Malta

Palazzo di Malta (Roma)

Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM), officially known as the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, is a Catholic lay religious order, traditionally of military, chivalrous, and noble nature. It is one of the oldest surviving orders of chivalry in the world. The order is recognized as a sovereign subject of international law.

History

The origins of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta trace back to around 1048 in Jerusalem, where it was established as a hospital by merchants from the Amalfitan Republic to care for pilgrims of any religious faith or race. The order became militarized to protect pilgrims and the Christian territories in the Holy Land. After the fall of the Kingdom of Jerusalem and the loss of the Holy Land, the order moved to Rhodes in 1310, where it became a sovereign military power. It was expelled from Rhodes in 1522 and subsequently settled in Malta in 1530, granted to them by Emperor Charles V. The order was sovereign over Malta until it was expelled by Napoleon in 1798.

Modern Role and Structure

Today, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta is a sovereign entity that maintains diplomatic relations with over 100 states and has observer status at the United Nations. It issues its own passports, coins, and postage stamps. Despite its sovereignty, it does not have territory after losing Malta in 1798. The order's headquarters are now located in Rome, Italy.

The primary mission of the order is humanitarian assistance and medical and social care. It operates hospitals, medical programs, and emergency relief operations in over 120 countries, often in areas affected by conflict or natural disasters.

The governance of the order is unique, with its head known as the Grand Master, who is elected for life by the Council Complete of State. The Grand Master has the rank of a prince and enjoys diplomatic privileges. The order's membership is drawn from the nobility and includes knights and dames who commit to uphold the principles of the Catholic faith and to serve the humanitarian objectives of the order.

Membership

Membership in the Sovereign Military Order of Malta is divided into three classes: the First Class consists of Knights of Justice or Professed Knights and Professed Conventual Chaplains, who take religious vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience; the Second Class consists of Knights and Dames in Obedience, who promise to live according to the principles of the order; and the Third Class consists of Knights and Dames of Honour and Devotion, Grace and Devotion, and Magistral Grace. Membership is by invitation only and requires proof of noble lineage for certain categories.

Activities

The Sovereign Military Order of Malta is active in humanitarian aid and medical and social care. Through its global relief agency, Malteser International, it provides emergency medical services, disaster relief, and long-term development projects. The order also operates hospitals, medical centers, and specialist programs for the elderly, the disabled, and children in need around the world.

Controversies

The order has faced controversies, including internal governance disputes and challenges to its sovereignty and neutrality. In recent years, disputes over the governance and direction of the order have led to interventions by the Holy See, highlighting the complex relationship between the order's sovereignty and its allegiance to the Catholic Church.

Conclusion

The Sovereign Military Order of Malta represents a unique blend of chivalric traditions, sovereign rights, and humanitarian commitment. Its long history, dating back to the Crusades, and its modern role in international humanitarian efforts make it a distinctive entity in the global community.

Sovereign Military Order of Malta Resources
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