His Most Eminent Highness Fra’ Andrew Bertie, accompanied by over 140 members of the Order of Malta, participated in the beatification ceremony for Charles of Habsburg, the last emperor of Austria, held in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, 3 October.

Member of the Order of Malta with the rank of Bailiff Grand Cross of Honour and Devotion, the emperor Charles of Hapsburg was a descendant of the emperor Charles V who in 1530 had granted the islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino in sovereign fief to the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.

After the solemn proclamation, John Paul II hoped that Charles I could be a model for those in Europe who have political responsibilities. The Christian’s task,” added the Pope, consists of seeking and recognising the will of God and acting consequently”.

A distinctive trait of Charles I of Habsburg, emperor of Austria and king of Hungary from 1916 al 1918, was his great sense of responsibility towards his duties as sovereign. This innate sense of responsibility was reinforced by his religious convictions. What makes him a model for politicians and those in command is that virtue, stressed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which is charity, that is love for one’s neighbour, present throughout his life both as man and as emperor.

He ascended the throne at 29 years of age but he was deposed two years later when the republic was proclaimed. He died an exile in Madeira in Portugal at the age of 35.