Knights of Malta in turmoil over reform plans

The Knights of Malta are worried: in an open letter they ask the Pope to stop the current reform plans and to work out new proposals. Otherwise, they say, the Order and her works could "suffer serious damage".

Presidents of national associations of the Order of Malta are concerned about the future of the Order. In an open letter to Pope Francis, the representatives ask the Head of the Church to stop the current reform plans and instead have new proposals drawn up with the broad participation of the members. Otherwise, the Order and its works could "suffer serious damage", the letter says, quoted by "L'Espresso" (Saturday). It is about the work of about 80,000 volunteers and 42 employees.

The authors are particularly critical of the proposal by the delegate responsible for the order, Cardinal Silvano Tomasi, to transfer the responsibility of around 13,000 lay people to a few knights of the Order. The knights lacked the experience and qualifications to lead such a large organisation. Tomasi had been given far-reaching powers by the Pope last year with regard to the election of a new leadership for the Order and he is also responsible for reform.

In spring, Tomasi had submitted his reform proposals to the Pope. A meeting between Francis and the working group on the reform is to take place between the end of August and the beginning of September. The final details for the next Extraordinary General Chapter, chaired by Tomasi, are to be discussed. In reforming its Constitution and Code, Malteser International wants to give itself a more contemporary governance structure. The part concerning the organisation as a religious order must be approved by the Pope, others not. In addition, reforms are planned not only in finance and compliance but also in the consideration of women.

Constitutional crisis led to reform

The reform was triggered, among other things, by a constitutional crisis under the then Grand Master Fra' Matthew Festing (1949-2021). He resigned in 2017 under pressure from Pope Francis after internal squabbles. Last year, he died unexpectedly in Valletta, Malta, at the age of 71. His successor, Grand Master Giacomo della Torre, had died in 2020. In June, Governor Fra' Marco Luzzago also died unexpectedly at the age of 71. The current governor is Fra' John Dunlap (65).

As a Catholic order, the Sovereign Order of Malta is subordinate to the Holy See. At the same time, it is politically a separate subject of international law. This status gives it unique access at the political and diplomatic level and is intended to allow special independence in conflicts. The Order currently maintains diplomatic relations with 110 states.

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