John T. Dunlap facts for kids
Quick facts for kids John Dunlap |
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His Most Eminent Highness
Fra' John Dunlap |
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| Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta | |||||
| Reign | 3 May 2023 – present Acting: 13 June 2022–3 May 2023 |
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| Predecessor | Giacomo dalla Torre | ||||
| Grand Commanders |
See list
Albrecht von Boeselager
Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo |
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| Born | 16 April 1957 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
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| Father | John Gerard Dunlap QC | ||||
| Mother | Dena Morrison | ||||
| Religion | Roman Catholicism | ||||
Fra' John Timothy Dunlap, born on April 16, 1957, is a Canadian lawyer. He holds a very important position as the Prince and 81st Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. He took on this role in 2023.
Before becoming the Grand Master, Fra' Dunlap served as the Lieutenant Grand Master of the Order of Malta from June 13, 2022. He is special because he is the first Grand Master who does not come from a noble or aristocratic family. This change was made possible by Pope Francis, who updated the Order's rules in 2022.
Contents
Learning and His Work
Early Life and Studies
John Timothy Dunlap grew up in Ottawa, Canada. His father was John Gerard Dunlap, a Queen's Counsel (QC), which is a special title for experienced lawyers. His uncle, Frank Dunlap, was a judge.
John went to the University of Ottawa and earned a degree in Arts. He then studied law at the University of Western Ontario. He also spent some time studying in France, at the University of Nice.
Becoming a Lawyer
After finishing his studies, John Dunlap became a licensed lawyer in New York and Ontario. In 1986, he joined a law firm in New York called Dunnington, Bartholow & Miller. By 1993, he became a partner, which means he was one of the main leaders of the firm.
He focused on two types of law: corporate law (helping businesses) and immigration law (helping people move to new countries). He also became a legal advisor for the Vatican's representative at the United Nations.
His Role in the Order of Malta
Joining the Order
The Sovereign Military Order of Malta is a very old Catholic organization that helps people in need around the world. John Dunlap became a part of this Order in 1996, first as a Knight of Magistral Grace.
In 2004, he made "temporary vows," which are like promises to serve the Order. Then, in 2008, he made "perpetual vows" to become a Knight of Justice. This means he made a lifelong commitment to the Order's mission.
He also held leadership roles, like being the First Regent (a religious leader) for a group of Knights in the United States.
Leadership and Changes
In May 2014, John Dunlap was chosen to be a member of the Order's Sovereign Council. This council helps make important decisions for the Order. He also works with other groups that are similar to the Order of Malta but are not Catholic.
On June 13, 2022, Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, chose John Dunlap to be the Lieutenant Grand Master. This was a temporary leadership role. Then, on May 3, 2023, he was elected as the 81st Grand Master.
This election was special because Pope Francis had changed the Order's rules in 2022. Before, the Grand Master had to come from a noble family. But Pope Francis removed this rule, allowing someone like John Dunlap, who is not from a noble family, to lead the Order.
Helping Others and Community Work
John Dunlap is involved in many organizations that do good work. He is the former President of the Canadian Club of New York, which connects Canadians living in New York.
He also helps the Royal Conservatory of Music Foundation in Toronto, which supports music education. He is a trustee for John Cabot University in Rome and leads a group that supports the Certosa di Capri, a historic place in Italy.
Coat of Arms
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Awards and Special Recognitions
Fra' John Timothy Dunlap has received many important awards and titles for his service.
In June 2023, he was given the special title of Canon ad honorem (meaning "honorary Canon") by the Archbishop of Malta. He also received a special cross, called a pectoral cross, which is a symbol of this honor.
He has also been given many other honors from different organizations and countries:
Awards from the Pope
Bailiff Grand Cross of Justice Professed of Solemn Vows of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta
Collar of the Order pro Merito Melitensi
Knight of the Collar of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre
Awards from the Commonwealth
Knight of Justice of the Most Venerable Order of St John (UK – 29 January 2020)
Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal (UK – 6 February 2002)
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (UK – 6 February 2012)
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Awards from Countries
Grand Cross with Chain of the Hungarian Order of Merit (Hungary – 17 July 2024)
Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (Italy – 21 November 2023)
Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Star of Italy (Italy – 9 January 2023)
Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Charles (Monaco – 22 April 2025)
Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Omar Torrijos Herrera (Panama – 27 February 2024)
Knight of the Order of the White Eagle (Poland – 27 March 2025)
Grand Officer of the National Order of Merit (Romania – 14 February 2013)
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Awards from Royal Families
Knight of the Order of Prince Danilo I (House of Petrović-Njegoš of Montenegro)
Knight of the Supreme Order of the Most Holy Annunciation (House of Savoy)
Knight Grand Cordon of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus (House of Savoy)
Knights Grand Cross with Collar of Justice of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George (House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies)
Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Joseph (House of Habsburg-Tuscany)
Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece (House of Habsburg-Lorraine)
See also
In Spanish: John T. Dunlap para niños
