The Pope encourages the Order of Malta to continue its “humanitarian diplomacy”

Catarina Agorilios – Vatican City

Tuitio Fidei and Obsequium Pauperum, In order to defend the faith and serve those in need He is a Knight of Malta. Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and MaltaSMOM preferred language. But also charity and diplomacy, which together form the cornerstone of the work that goes back almost a thousand years in this reality, and whose ambassadors Pope Francis received on Saturday, January 27, in the Vatican, at the end of a two-day visit. Conference in Rome on Geopolitics, Ethics and International Economics.

Defending the faith and serving the poor are inseparable

in letter The Pope stated that the mission of the Order of Malta to defend the faith and serve the poor is “inseparable.” He said: “By serving you, you serve Jesus,” recalling the Gospel of Mary of Bethany, who anointed the feet of Christ. The Pope stressed that the regime's diplomatic activity in the world must therefore be viewed from this perspective, which makes it a secular regime in the Catholic Church, while at the same time being a sovereign state subject to international law. The Pope stressed that the matter is not about “two different facts: the Autonomous Military Hospitaller, a body subject to international law dedicated to charity and aid, and the religious institute.”

A sovereign state and a religious order subject to the Holy See

Noting that the SMOM as a religious order is subject to the Holy See and obedience to the Pope through the Grand Master, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of “fruitful cooperation and joint action for the good of the Church and society” between the order’s diplomatic representatives and local papal legates. He explained that this connection between SMOM and the Pope “is not a restriction of her freedom, but rather a protection, which is expressed in Peter’s eagerness to ensure her well-being, which happened more than once, even through direct interventions in difficult moments.” ”

The Pope stressed that “the adoption of the Order of Malta by the Holy See does not diminish the importance of its diplomatic representation, but on the contrary, it makes one better understand their meaning, as channels of apostolic and charitable activity.” “I really appreciate the terminology used by some of you, who consider your activities to be ‘humanitarian diplomacy.’” The Pope concluded his address to his guests by saying:

“This special character of your diplomatic activity, which does not diminish its importance, constitutes a valuable testimony and an expressive confirmation – also for other embassies, so that their activities can also be devoted to the concrete good of the peoples and to the great good.” The extent to which the most vulnerable groups are protected.