History reminder: Sovereign Military Order of Malta
Photo: AFP
The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, commonly known as the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM), is a Catholic lay religious order, traditionally of military, chivalric, and noble nature. Its history is a chronicle of service to the most vulnerable, characterized by its humanitarian activities, and it is one of the oldest existing chivalric orders. The origins of the Order of Malta can be traced back to around 1048, during the time of the Crusades. A group of merchants from the Amalfi Republic received permission from the Caliph of Egypt to build a church, convent, and hospital in Jerusalem to care for pilgrims of any religious faith or race. The Order of St. John of Jerusalem, as it was then known, was officially founded in 1099, shortly after the First Crusade captured the city. The Order became known for its hospitals and the care of the sick, which it extended to include the establishment of new hospitals and the care of the poor and injured. As a religious order, the members, known as the Knights Hospitaller, took monastic vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, but they were also armed protectors of pilgrims, reflecting the military spirit of the time. By the late 12th century, the Order had developed into a chivalric order of military defense as well as medical care. After the fall of the Crusader states, the Order was driven out of Jerusalem and found a new base on the island of Rhodes in 1309. For over two centuries, the Knights defended the island against the Ottoman Empire until they were eventually ousted in 1522. Charles V of Spain granted them the islands of Malta, Gozo, and Tripello in 1530, and the Order became known as the Knights of Malta. The Order reached a peak of its military and naval prowess in 1565 during the Great Siege of Malta. Under the leadership of Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valette, the Knights, with a vastly outnumbered force, repelled the invading Ottoman army in one of history’s most celebrated sieges.
In the following centuries, the Order’s influence waned. Napoleon captured Malta in 1798, and the Knights were dispersed. However, the Order retained its sovereignty under international law and continued to operate from various locations across Europe. In 1834, the Order established its headquarters in Rome, where it remains to this day. The modern Sovereign Military Order of Malta has diplomatic relations with over 100 states and the European Union and observer status at the United Nations. It issues its own passports, coins, and postage stamps. While the Order no longer exercises territorial sovereignty over Malta, it remains a sovereign entity under international law. The Order’s modern focus is on charitable work and medical assistance. It runs hospitals, medical centers, and emergency ambulance services, and it is involved in disaster relief efforts worldwide. The Order’s charitable works are notably apolitical and non-denominational, providing aid based on need, regardless of race, religion, or creed. The Order of Malta’s achievements have been recognized through numerous international awards and honors. Its members and volunteers have been decorated for their service and humanitarian efforts. The Order continues to be a leading organization in the provision of medical and humanitarian aid, with Malteser International as its worldwide relief agency, operating in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. One of the Order’s significant achievements has been its contribution to medical and humanitarian service in times of war and peace. It has set up field hospitals in war zones, provided care for refugees, and been at the forefront of the response to natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, and epidemics. Its global relief efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, showcased the Order’s capacity to provide critical assistance in times of crisis. The spiritual life of the Order is equally significant. Its members are committed to the principles of faith and charity. The Order maintains its Christian identity and traditions through its members, who come from all walks of life, including the nobility, armed forces, and medical professions. The Order also supports cultural activities, preserving its rich heritage through museums, libraries, and archives. It organizes conferences and seminars on religious and humanitarian topics, fostering dialogue and understanding. With over 900 years of history, the Order has contributed to the cultural and spiritual heritage of the countries it has been associated with. The capital city of Malta, Valletta, named after Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valette, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, partly due to the Order’s influence on its architecture and urban planning. Throughout its history, the Order of Malta has faced various challenges, including political changes, financial difficulties, and the need to adapt to a changing world. It has done so by evolving from a military and chivalric order into a humanitarian and diplomatic entity, all the while maintaining its sovereignty and traditions. In recent times, the Order has worked to modernize its governance and increase the efficiency of its charitable activities. It has expanded its outreach programs, focusing on long-term projects in health care and social services, as well as immediate disaster response. The Sovereign Military Order of Malta’s rich history is a testament to its resilience and enduring commitment to its mission of service. From its origins in the Holy Land to its current global humanitarian efforts, the Order has been a beacon of hope for those in need. Its sovereignty, diplomatic engagements, and humanitarian activities make it a unique entity in the international community. As the Order continues to uphold its values of faith, charity, and service to the sick and poor, it remains a respected and vital force in the realm of humanitarian aid and international relations.
By Roberto Casseli
