Knights of Malta

Knights of Malta
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Name	Sovereign Military Order of Malta

Knights of Malta, also known as the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, is a Catholic chivalric order that was founded in the 11th century by Gerard Thom, a blessed Amalfitan merchant. The order was originally known as the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem and was recognized by Pope Paschal II in 1113. The order's early history is closely tied to the Crusades, with notable figures such as Godfrey of Bouillon and Baldwin I of Jerusalem playing important roles. The order's headquarters were initially located in Jerusalem, but were later moved to Rhodes and then to Malta, from which the order derives its current name, with the support of Charles V and Philip II.

History of the Order

The history of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta is closely tied to the Crusades and the Hospitaller movement, with the order being founded in the 11th century by Gerard Thom. The order was initially recognized by Pope Paschal II in 1113 and was granted a papal bull by Pope Innocent II in 1130. The order played a significant role in the Siege of Jerusalem and the Battle of Hattin, with notable figures such as Raymond du Puy and Garin de Montaigu serving as Grand Masters. The order's headquarters were later moved to Rhodes and then to Malta, with the support of Charles V and Philip II, and the order was involved in several notable battles, including the Great Siege of Malta and the Battle of Lepanto, alongside Don Juan and Cervantes.

Organization and Structure

The Sovereign Military Order of Malta is a sovereign entity with its own government and diplomatic relations with over 100 countries, including Vatican City, Italy, and France. The order is led by a Grand Master, who is elected by the order's Council Complete of State, which includes notable figures such as Giacomo Dalla Torre and Matthew Festing. The order is divided into several langues, including the Langue of Italy and the Langue of France, and has a number of commanderies and priories around the world, including the Priory of England and the Commandery of the United States, with the support of Elizabeth II and Pope Francis.

Grand Masters of the Order

The Grand Master is the leader of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and is responsible for the order's government and diplomatic relations. Notable Grand Masters have included Ferdinand von Hompesch zu Bolheim, who was the last Grand Master to rule Malta, and Andrew Bertie, who was the first English Grand Master since 1798. Other notable Grand Masters have included Pierre d'Aubusson, who played a significant role in the Ottoman-Habsburg wars, and Jean de Valette, who led the order during the Great Siege of Malta, with the support of Philip II and Pope Pius V.

Symbols and Insignia

The Sovereign Military Order of Malta has a number of symbols and insignia, including the Cross of Saint John, which is also known as the Maltese cross. The order's flag features a white cross on a red background, and the order's coat of arms features a shield with a white cross on a red background, surrounded by a crown. The order also has a number of orders, decorations, and medals, including the Order pro merito Melitensi and the Medal of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, which have been awarded to notable figures such as Nelson Mandela and Angela Merkel.

Activities and Charity Work

The Sovereign Military Order of Malta is involved in a number of charity and humanitarian activities around the world, including disaster relief and medical care. The order has a number of hospitals and clinics around the world, including the Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem, and provides humanitarian aid to a number of countries, including Syria and Ukraine, with the support of United Nations and European Union. The order also has a number of youth programs and volunteer opportunities, including the Order of Malta Volunteer Corps, which have been supported by notable figures such as Pope Benedict XVI and Ban Ki-moon.

International Recognition

The Sovereign Military Order of Malta has diplomatic relations with over 100 countries around the world, including Vatican City, Italy, and France. The order is also a permanent observer at the United Nations and has participatory status at the Council of Europe. The order has also been recognized by a number of international organizations, including the Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross, with the support of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and World Health Organization. The order's sovereignty has been recognized by a number of countries, including Germany and Austria, and the order has a number of treaties and agreements with other countries, including the Treaty of Amiens and the Congress of Vienna, with the support of Napoleon and Metternich. Category:Knights of Malta