A long friendship and over fifteen years of diplomatic relations between the Principality of Monaco and the Order of Malta were honoured during a visit to Rome by a delegation of the Conseil National, the Principality’s single-chamber parliament.

The day of 29 February was opened by a Holy Mass celebrated in the presence of the Grand Prior of Rome, Fra’ Roberto Viazzo, in the Palatine Chapel at the House of the Knights of Rhodes, headquarters of the Italian Association of the Knights of Malta and the Italian Relief Corps. The reading of Luke’s Gospel, with the parable of Lazarus and the rich man Epulone, brought attention to the theme of the poor, solidarity and mercy, themes particularly dear to the evangelist and the objective of the Order of Malta’s humanitarian mission. In addition to the Palatine Chapel, delegates were able to visit the House of the Knights of Rhodes with its magnificent Loggia overlooking the Foro Traiano.

With a walking tour through the capital’s historic centre, the delegation – accompanied by the Ambassador-designate to Monaco Alberto di Luca and Philippe Orengo, Ambassador of Monaco to the Order of Malta – reached the Centre Saint Louis des Français, the French cultural centre in Rome. Received by Ambassador Giampaolo Cantini, Secretary General for Foreign Affairs of the Order of Malta, the parliamentarians were able to deepen their knowledge of the Order of Malta’s institutional and diplomatic structure as well as its humanitarian and socio-medical activities.

In 2010 the Order’s representation in Monaco, present since 2007, was upgraded to the rank of Embassy. Ambassador-designate Alberto di Luca will present his letters of credence next April. In 2009 Prince Albert of Monaco, Bailiff Grand Cross of Honour and Devotion, paid an official visit to Rome.

Since 2011, the Monegasque Association, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, has been supporting the Monaco Cardiothoracic Centre to provide free treatment for children from poor families. Under a cooperation agreement signed in 2012, the Principality of Monaco contributes to several humanitarian projects in Senegal and Lebanon.