The Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Fra’ John Dunlap, has been awarded the prestigious “Path to Peace” honour, given each year to an individual “for outstanding service to the cause of peace”.

“This year’s honouree is His Most Eminent Highness, Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta – Fra’ John Dunlap. He has served the poor, the sick, and those on the fringes of society quietly for many years in New York City and around the world. The Holy See Mission and the Path to Peace Foundation have benefited from his advice and legal counsel for decades.”

On behalf of the entire Order of Malta and its volunteers, Fra’ John Dunlap expressed his gratitude for this honour and reaffirmed the Order of Malta’s commitment to an international system “based on rules and principles of fraternity, co-operation and solidarity”. “In particular,” said the Grand Master “we ask that International law, International Humanitarian Law and the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations be respected. The Order, through its diplomacy, has done so consistently over the past years and will continue to do so.”

Faced with increasing geopolitical instability, conflicts and immense humanitarian tragedies, such as in Ukraine and Gaza, the Grand Master recalled that “the Sovereign Order of Malta is apolitical and neutral, but not insensitive to violence and injustice. And certainly does not turn its eyes away from human tragedies and the responsibilities that cause them”.

Past honourees, in addition to three Grand Masters of the Order of Malta, include Presidents and Prime Ministers, Secretaries of State, Ambassadors, Clergy and Humanitarian Organizations.

Established in 1991 by Archbishop Renato R. Martino, the Path to Peace Foundation, whose current president is Archbishop Gabriele G. Caccia, Apostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, spreads the message of peace by circulating information and documentation on statements and initiatives of the Holy Father, the Holy See and Catholic organizations, aimed at building a world of justice, charity and peace.