Sovereign Military Order of Malta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta
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 Flag
.svg) Coat of arms
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Motto: Tuitio fidei et obsequium pauperum (Latin)
"Defence of the faith and assistance to the poor" |
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Anthem: Ave Crux Alba (Latin)
Hail, thou White Cross |
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| Capital | Rome (Palazzo Malta 41°54′19″N 12°28′50″E / 41.90528°N 12.48056°E and Villa del Priorato di Malta 41°53′01″N 12°28′39″E / 41.88361°N 12.47750°E) |
| Official languages | Italian |
| Religion | Catholicism |
| Government | |
| John T. Dunlap | |
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• Grand Commander
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Emmanuel Rousseau |
| Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo | |
| Sovereign subject of international law | |
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• Establishment of the Knights Hospitaller
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c. 1099 |
| 1113 | |
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• Cyprus
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1291–1310 |
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• Rhodes
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1310–1523 |
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• Malta
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1530–1798 |
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• Division
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1805–12 |
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• Seat in Rome
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1834–present |
| Area | |
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• Total
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0 km2 (0 sq mi) |
| Population | |
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• Estimate
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13,191 members (2023) 39 vowed members (33 knights; 6 chaplains) 3 citizens |
| Currency | Maltese scudo |
The Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM) is a Catholic religious order. It is also known as the Order of Malta or Knights of Malta. This group is very old and has a history of being military, chivalrous, and noble.
Even though the Order of Malta does not own any land, it is often seen as a sovereign (independent) entity. This means it acts like a country under international law.
The Order continues the work of the Knights Hospitaller. This was a chivalric order started around 1099 in Jerusalem. Today, the Order is led by an elected leader called the Prince and Grand Master.
Their motto is "Defence of the faith and assistance to the poor." They honor the Virgin Mary as their special protector.
The Order has about 13,500 members, including Knights, Dames, and Chaplains. A small number of these members make special religious promises. In the past, high-ranking members needed to prove they came from noble families. Now, more people can join and become leaders.
Today, the Order mainly focuses on helping people around the world. They provide humanitarian aid and work on international relations. Since 1994, they have been a permanent observer at the United Nations General Assembly.
The Order employs about 52,000 doctors, nurses, and helpers. They also have 95,000 volunteers in over 120 countries. They help children, homeless people, the disabled, the elderly, and refugees. They help everyone, no matter their background or religion.
Through their global relief group, Malteser International, they help people affected by natural disasters, diseases, and wars.
The Order has diplomatic relations with 113 countries. This means they act like a country, signing treaties and having ambassadors. They also issue their own passports, coins, and postage stamps.
Their two main buildings in Rome are considered "extraterritorial." This means they are like embassies, where the laws of Italy do not fully apply. The Order is sometimes called "the smallest sovereign state in the world."
Contents
What is the Order of Malta's Symbol?
The Order of Malta has many groups around the world. These include Priories, Sub-priories, and National Associations. There are also other groups with similar names that are not connected to the Order.
The Order has two main flags. The State Flag is red with a white Latin cross. The flag for the Order's work is red with a white eight-pointed Maltese cross. This eight-pointed cross is a very important symbol.
The Grand Master has a special flag. It is red with a white eight-pointed Maltese cross. This cross is surrounded by a special collar and topped with a crown.
The Order's coat of arms usually shows a white cross on a red shield. This shield is often surrounded by a rosary. It is placed over a white eight-pointed cross and topped with a crown. The eight points of the Maltese cross represent the eight beatitudes from Jesus's Sermon on the Mount.
To protect its identity, the Order has officially registered its names and symbols. This helps prevent others from using them falsely.
How Did the Order of Saint John Begin?
The Order's Early Days
The Knights Hospitaller started around 1048. Merchants from Amalfi built a church, convent, and hospital in Jerusalem. This hospital cared for pilgrims of all faiths and backgrounds.
The Order of St. John of Jerusalem was the group that ran this hospital. They became independent under their founder, a religious brother named Blessed Gerard.
In 1113, Pope Paschal II officially approved the hospital. He placed it under the Pope's protection. This meant the Order could choose its own leaders without outside interference. The hospital became a religious order, free from local church control.
During the Crusades, a Christian kingdom was formed in Jerusalem. This meant the Order also had to defend the sick, pilgrims, and conquered lands. So, they added defending the faith to their mission of caring for people.
Moving to Cyprus
After the last Christian stronghold in the Holy Land fell in 1291, the Order moved to Cyprus. This was after the Siege of Acre.
Life on Rhodes
In 1310, the Knights moved to the island of Rhodes. Their leader was Grand Master Fra' Foulques de Villaret. To defend the Christian world, they built a strong navy. They sailed the eastern Mediterranean, fighting battles for Christendom.
In the early 1300s, Knights from all over Europe came to Rhodes. They were grouped by the languages they spoke. These groups were called Langues (Tongues). There were originally seven, then eight groups.
The Order was led by its Grand Master, who was also the Prince of Rhodes. They had a Council that helped govern. The Order was independent from other nations. It had the right to have its own army and navy. This gave the Order international sovereignty. They even made their own coins and had diplomatic relations with other countries.
In 1523, the Knights faced a long and fierce siege by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. After six months, the walls of Rhodes fell. The Knights left Rhodes, but they were allowed to keep their weapons.
The Order's Time in Malta
The Order did not have its own land until 1530. That year, Grand Master Fra' Philippe Villiers de L'Isle-Adam took control of the island of Malta. Emperor Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor and Queen Joanna of Castile gave Malta to the Order. They had to agree to certain conditions, like paying a symbolic "Tribute of the Maltese Falcon."
In 1565, the Knights, led by Grand Master Fra' Jean de Vallette, defended Malta for over three months. This was during the Great Siege of Malta by the Ottoman Empire. The capital of Malta, Valletta, is named after him.
The Order's fleet also helped defeat the Ottoman navy in the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. This battle was led by John of Austria.
The Protestant Reformation caused changes in Europe. It divided countries into Protestant and Catholic states. This also affected the Knights. In some countries, like England, the Order disappeared. In others, like Germany, some parts of the Order became Protestant. These groups still exist today.
From 1651 to 1665, the Order even ruled four islands in the Caribbean. These islands were Saint Barthélemy, Saint Christopher, Saint Croix, and Saint Martin. They were later sold to a French company.
In 1798, Napoleon and his French army took over Malta. Napoleon demanded that his ships be allowed into the port. The Grand Master, Ferdinand von Hompesch zu Bolheim, refused to let all the ships in at once. Napoleon then ordered an attack.
French soldiers landed on Malta on June 11 and attacked. After hours of fighting, the Maltese forces had to surrender. Napoleon then negotiated with the capital, Valletta. The Grand Master resigned and left Malta.
The Knights were scattered, but the Order continued to exist. The Russian Emperor, Paul I, gave many Knights shelter in Saint Petersburg. He was even elected as their Grand Master by some Knights. However, this was never officially approved by the Catholic Church.
By the early 1800s, the Order was much weaker. Most of its money came from Russia. For many years, the Order was led by Lieutenants instead of Grand Masters. In 1879, Pope Leo XIII brought back the role of Grand Master. This helped the Order become strong again as a humanitarian and religious group.
In 1806, Sweden offered the island of Gotland to the Order. But the Order refused because it would mean giving up their claim to Malta.
The Order in Exile
The French forces forced the Knights to leave Malta. For many years, the Order moved its headquarters. It stayed in Messina, Catania, and Ferrara before settling in Rome in 1834.
The Palazzo Malta and the Villa del Priorato di Malta in Rome are the Order's main headquarters. These buildings have special "extraterritorial" status, like embassies.
The original mission of helping the sick became the Order's main focus again. This work grew a lot in the 20th century. They did a lot of humanitarian and charity work during World War I and II. Their projects continued to expand under later Grand Masters.
In 2013, the Order celebrated 900 years since the Pope first recognized them. They had a special meeting with Pope Benedict XVI.
Recent Changes
The Order faced some leadership challenges starting in 2016. Pope Francis stepped in to help resolve these issues. He appointed special representatives to guide the Order.
In 2022, Pope Francis approved a new constitution for the Order. This helped to update its rules and leadership structure. In 2023, new leaders were elected to the Order's main council.
How the Order of Malta is Organized
The Order is guided by its Constitutional Charter and Code.
Leadership and Governance
The Prince and Grand Master is the head of the Order. He acts as both a sovereign leader and a religious superior. He is elected for a ten-year term. The current Grand Master is Fra' John T. Dunlap, elected in May 2023.
The Sovereign Council is the main governing body. It handles the Order's daily business. It includes the Grand Master and other important officers.
The Chapter General is the Order's law-making body. It meets every six years and elects members of the Sovereign Council.
The Council Complete of State is responsible for electing the Grand Master.
The Board of Auditors checks the Order's finances.
The Government Council advises the Sovereign Council on important issues.
The Order also has its own courts to handle legal matters.
Regional Divisions
The Order is divided into different regions around the world. These include six Grand Priories, six Sub-Priories, and 48 associations.
Some of the Grand Priories are in Rome, Lombardy and Venice, Naples and Sicily, Bohemia, Austria, and England.
The Sub-Priories are located in places like Cologne (Germany), Madrid (Spain), San Francisco (United States), New York (United States), Melbourne (Australia), and Ireland.
Most of the 48 associations are national groups. Some countries, like Germany and the United States, have more than one association.
Membership
Membership in the Order is split into three main classes, each with different categories:
- First Class: These members make religious promises of poverty, chastity, and obedience. They are called Knights of Justice or Professed Knights.
- Second Class: These members make a Promise of Obedience. They are called Knights and Dames in Obedience.
- Third Class: These members do not make vows or promises. They live according to the Church's and Order's principles. This is the largest group of members.
In the past, many high-ranking positions required proof of noble birth. Now, people from all backgrounds can join and advance within the Order.
Bishops and priests usually join as chaplains. Some priests are also knights, especially if they joined before becoming priests.
Religious Leaders
Cardinal Patron
The Cardinal Patron is a high-ranking Cardinal appointed by the Pope. He helps guide the Order's spiritual life and its relationship with the Holy See (the Pope's office).
Special Delegate
Since 2017, the Pope has appointed a special delegate to the Order. This person acts as the Pope's personal representative.
Prelate
The Prelate of the Order is in charge of the Order's clergy. He helps the Grand Master with the spiritual well-being of all members. The Pope appoints him based on the Cardinal Patron's advice.
Working with Other Orders
The Sovereign Military Order of Malta works with other recognized Orders of Saint John. For example, the SMOM is a big supporter of the St John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem. This hospital is mainly run by another Order, the Most Venerable Order of Saint John.
Nuns of the Order
There are three monasteries of nuns connected to the Order. Two are in Spain and one is in Malta. These nuns live in enclosed communities.
What is the Order of Malta's International Status?
The Order acts as a subject of international law. This means it has certain rights and duties like a country. Its main goals are to promote faith and help the sick, needy, and people without a home. They help everyone, no matter their religion, race, or age.
The Order has official diplomatic relations with 113 countries, including the Holy See (the Vatican). It also has official relations with five other states and the European Union. The Order has its own diplomatic offices around the world. Many countries also send their own ambassadors to the Order.
The Order has "observer status" at the General Assembly of the United Nations. This means they can attend meetings and participate in some discussions. This status is given to groups that provide humanitarian aid.
The Order works with the International Committee of the Red Cross and other international groups. Its international status helps it provide humanitarian aid without being seen as favoring any one country.
The Order also shows its sovereignty by issuing passports, license plates, stamps, and coins.
The Order's unique history and situation have led to discussions about its exact status in international law. Some experts question its sovereignty because it has no territory. Others argue that it is a "subject of international law without territory."
Relations with the Holy See
The Order has a close relationship with the Holy See. In 1961, Pope John XXIII approved the Order's Constitutional Charter. This document stated that the Order is a legal entity approved by the Holy See. It also confirmed its status as a subject of international law.
Relations with Italy
The Order has signed treaties with Italy. Italy recognizes the Order as a sovereign international subject, similar to a foreign state.
The Order's main properties in Rome, like the Palazzo Malta and the Villa del Priorato di Malta, are recognized as extraterritorial by Italy. This means they are like embassies where Italian laws do not fully apply.
The Grand Master of the Order enjoys honors similar to Cardinals in Italy. The Order is also one of the largest landowners in Italy. Its properties are exempt from some Italian taxes.
Vehicles of the Order in Italy receive special diplomatic license plates.
Relations with the Republic of Malta
The Order has two treaties with the Republic of Malta. The second treaty, signed in 1998, allows the Order to use the upper part of Fort St. Angelo in Birgu. This area has limited extraterritoriality.
The purpose of this agreement is to help the Order carry out its humanitarian work from Saint Angelo. The agreement lasts for 99 years. The flag of Malta flies alongside the Order's flag over the fort. Maltese courts generally have full authority there.
Currency and Postage Stamps
The Order issues its own coins. These are mostly collected by people rather than used as everyday money.
About 58 countries accept the Order's postage stamps for mailing letters. In 2005, the Italian postal service agreed to deliver most types of mail from the Order internationally. The Order started issuing stamps in euros in 2005, but its official currency is still the Maltese scudo.
What is the Military Corps of the Order of Malta?
The Order states that its role of helping the sick allowed it to survive after the Crusades ended. However, it still keeps its military title and traditions.
In 1876, the Association of the Italian Knights of the Order of Malta (ACISMOM) reformed the Order's military. This unit provided medical support to the Italian Army. In 1909, it officially became a special volunteer corps of the Italian Army.
Since then, the Military Corps has worked with the Italian Army. They provide medical support in both wartime and peacetime. They also take part in ceremonial events for the Order.
One unique thing is that a unit of the Italian army is overseen by a body of another sovereign entity, the Order of Malta.
Air Force
After World War II, Italy was limited in the types of aircraft it could have. So, in 1947, the Italian Air Force transferred some of its transport planes to the Order of Malta. These planes were flown by Italian Air Force personnel for the Order.
They carried the Order's symbols on their bodies and Italian symbols on their wings. They were used for training, transport, and humanitarian missions. For example, they transported sick pilgrims to the Lourdes sanctuary. In the early 1950s, these planes returned to the full control of the Italian Air Force.
Logistics
The Military Corps is known in Europe for operating hospital trains. They used these trains a lot during both World Wars.
Today, the Military Corps still operates a modern hospital train. It has 28 cars and 192 hospital beds. Medical staff from the Order and technical staff from the Italian Army run it.
Awards and Medals
The Order gives out its own awards, decorations, and medals. One example is the Order pro Merito Melitensi.
See also
In Spanish: Orden de Malta para niños
- Knights Hospitaller
- List of Knights Hospitaller sites
- Order of Malta Ambulance Corps (Ireland)
