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 | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
16 April 1957 ||||
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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 is the Prince and 81st Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. This is a very old Catholic order known for its charity work around the world. He has held this important role since 2023.
Before becoming Grand Master, Mr. Dunlap was the Lieutenant Grand Master of the Order from June 13, 2022. He is the first Grand Master who did not need to prove noble family background. This change was made possible by Pope Francis in 2022, who updated the Order's rules.
Contents
John Dunlap's Early Life and Studies
John Dunlap grew up in Ottawa, Canada. His father was John Gerard Dunlap, and his uncle was Judge Frank Dunlap. His grandfather, Henry Joseph Dunlap, was a brave soldier in the Royal Canadian Engineers.
His Education Journey
Mr. Dunlap studied at the University of Ottawa, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then went on to study law at the University of Western Ontario. He also spent some time studying in France, at the University of Nice.
His Career as a Lawyer
After finishing his studies, John Dunlap became a lawyer in both New York and Ontario, Canada. In 1986, he joined a law firm in New York called Dunnington, Bartholow & Miller. By 1993, he became a partner at the firm. He focused on business law and immigration law. He also worked as a legal advisor for the Holy See (the Pope's government) at the United Nations.
John Dunlap and the Order of Malta
The Sovereign Military Order of Malta is a Catholic order that helps people in need around the world. They provide medical aid, humanitarian relief, and social services.
Joining the Order
John Dunlap became a Knight of Magistral Grace in the Order of Malta in 1996. He made temporary promises to the Order in 2004. On June 7, 2008, he made his permanent vows as a Knight of Justice. This means he committed his life to the Order's mission. In 2006, he was chosen to be the First Regent of the Sub-Priory of Our Lady of Lourdes. This role means he was a religious leader for some Knights in the United States.
Leadership Roles
In May 2014, Mr. Dunlap was elected to the Order's Sovereign Council for five years. This council helps lead the Order. He also leads a committee that works with other non-Catholic orders of St. John. This helps different groups work together for good causes.
Becoming Grand Master
On June 13, 2022, Pope Francis appointed John Dunlap as the Lieutenant Grand Master of the Order of Malta. Then, on May 3, 2023, he was elected as the Sovereign Prince and 81st Grand Master. His election was special because Pope Francis changed the Order's rules in 2022. Before this, the Grand Master usually had to come from a noble family. Mr. Dunlap's election showed that anyone dedicated to the Order's mission could lead it.
Helping Others: Charitable Work
John Dunlap is involved in many charitable activities. He is the past President of the Canadian Club of New York. He is also the Vice-President of the Royal Conservatory of Music Foundation in Toronto, which supports music education. He serves as a Trustee for John Cabot University in Rome. He is also the President of the Friends of the Certosa di San Giacomo in Italy, helping to preserve a historic monastery.
John Dunlap's Coat of Arms
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A coat of arms is a special design that represents a person or a family. As the Grand Master, Fra' John Dunlap has a unique coat of arms. It combines the symbol of the Order of Malta with his own family's design. His family's coat of arms was given to his father in 2003.
Awards and Special Titles
Fra' John Timothy Dunlap has received many important awards and titles.
Church Honors
On June 16, 2023, he was given the honorary title of Canon of the Saint Lawrence Collegiate Chapter of Vittoriosa. This was given by the Archbishop of Malta. He also received a special pectoral cross, which is a symbol of this honor.
He has also been awarded:
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
Commonwealth Honors
Knight of Justice of the Venerable Order of St John (United Kingdom – January 29, 2020)
Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal (United Kingdom – February 6, 2002)
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (United Kingdom – February 6, 2012)
National Honors
Grand Cross with Chain of the Hungarian Order of Merit (Hungary – July 17, 2024)
Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (Italy – November 21, 2023)
Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Star of Italy (Italy – January 9, 2023)
Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Charles (Monaco – April 22, 2025)
Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Omar Torrijos Herrera (Panama – February 27, 2024)
Knight of the Order of the White Eagle (Poland – March 27, 2025)
Grand Officer of the National Order of Merit (Romania – February 14, 2013)
Dynastic Honors
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