Order of Malta Information

The Order of Malta runs medical, social and humanitarian projects in 120 countries. A sovereign subject of international law and a lay religious order of the Catholic Church, it has bilateral diplomatic relations with over 100 States, permanent observer status at the United Nations, the European Union and numerous international organisations. The Order of Malta is especially involved in helping victims of armed conflicts and natural disasters by providing medical assistance, caring for refugees, and distributing medicines and basic equipment for survival. The Order’s 13,500 members, 95,000 volunteers and over 52,000 employed personnel are dedicated to the care of all those who suffer, regardless of race or religion. The Order of Malta is neutral, impartial and apolitical. It is active in 120 countries, with 11 Grand Priories and Sub-Priories and 48 national Associations, as well as numerous hospitals, medical centres, day-care centres, first-aid corps and specialist foundations. Founded in Jerusalem 970 years ago, its full name is Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta. Since 1834 the Order of Malta’s Government has been located in Rome, where it is guaranteed extraterritorial rights. For further info: https://www.orderofmalta.int