The Sovereign Order of Malta is one of the oldest institutions of Western and Christian civilisation.
According to the Constitution, as the religious Superior and Sovereign, he must fully dedicate himself to the development of the works of the Order and to set an example of living by Christian principles, to all the members of the Order of Malta.
The Order of Malta is permanently present with medical, social and humanitarian projects in most countries in the world.
The Sovereign Order of Malta’s diplomatic relations facilitate its medical and humanitarian activities.
The birth of the Order of St. John dates back to around 1048. It was under the leadership of Blessed Fra’ Gerard, founder and first Master, that the religious community became a lay religious order.
Over 11,000 volunteers from the Order of Malta’s French Association have raised funds for treating people affected by leprosy, a disease still present in 100 countries. 260,000 new cases were identified in 2007, of which 10% are young people under 14 years of age.
Research and assistance to the sick are priorities of the Ordre de Malte France, which has programmes for identifying new cases and treatment and rehabilitation units in Africa, Asia and South America.
The Grand Chancellor of the Order of Malta, Riccardo Paternò, received the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Polish Lower house and Chairman of the Council for Cooperation with Ukraine, Pawel Kowal.
The last preparations are underway for the Order of Malta’s tenth Italian Summer Camp for young people with disabilities, to be held from 29 July to 3 August in Valva, in the province of Salerno.
The Order of Malta’s Grand Chancellor attended a panel within the framework of the sixth edition of the "Forum in Masseria" event.
