- The Order of Malta, a religious order of the Catholic Church, is deeply rooted in the teachings and values of Catholicism.
- Fra’ Blessed Gerard, founder of the Order, played a vital role in establishing its strong connection to the Catholic Church.
- The Order of Malta was officially recognized by Pope Paschal II in 1113.
- The Catholic Church's formal recognition of the Order is crucial to its legitimacy and rich historical legacy.
With a history spanning over nine centuries, the Order of Malta is first and foremost a religious order of the Catholic Church, sharing a unique and integral connection to the Church today.
Blessed Fra’ Gerard, founder of the Order of Malta
Portrait of Fra’ Raymond du Puy
Tracing its origins back to the 11th century, the Order of Malta was established amidst three significant events involving the Church: the eleventh-century reform, the resurgence of pilgrimages to the Holy Land, and the growing influence of Benedictine monasticism.
Blessed Fra’ Gerard's influential role in founding the Order of Malta, initially known as the Hospitallers of St. John, laid the groundwork for the Order's deep-rooted relationship with the Catholic Church.
His unwavering commitment to the Catholic faith and his compassionate vision for the Order shaped its religious character which remains steadfast throughout its history.
As the spiritual father, his legacy inspires members to maintain their unique bond with the Church and serve those in need.
The Order of Malta was granted papal recognition as a religious order of the Catholic Church by Pope Paschal II in 1113 through the Protection Beati Petri. This recognition indelibly marked the Order's existence, work, and relationships with various other organizations.
The first Rule, attributed to Raymond du Puy, reinforced the Order’s identity as a Catholic religious order by ensuring that the Order of Malta would only refer to papal authority, in addition to its legitimate superiors.
This unique relationship not only guaranteed the truly Catholic nature of the Order's actions but also paved the way for its prodigious expansion in the Christian world at the time.
As Pope Benedict XVI acknowledged in a 2012 address to the members of the Order of Malta, "Your Order, which from its earliest days has been close to the Apostolic See, has always sought to combine fidelity to the Church with a commitment to the poor and the defense of the faith."
During a meeting with the Grand Master of the Order of Malta, Fra' Giacomo Dalla Torre, on May 4, 2019, Pope Francis reaffirmed the Catholic Church's support for the Order and its mission.
Throughout history, various unofficial orders claiming affiliation with the Order of Malta have emerged. However, the genuine Order of Malta has been distinguished by its unique and official recognition by the Catholic Church and the Pope.
This papal acknowledgment has played a crucial role in establishing the Order's legitimacy and authority, ensuring that it remains deeply rooted in the Catholic faith.
The Pope's endorsement not only sets the authentic Order of Malta apart from other self-proclaimed orders but also highlights the importance of the authentic Order of Malta in the broader context of the Catholic faith.
Pope Benedict XVI in a 2012 address to Order of Malta members
The Order of Malta's religious essence as a Catholic religious order is exemplified by its religious essence and foundational principles outlined in its Constitutional Charter.
As the Order adapts to modern challenges, maintaining its religious life remains essential to its existence and rich legacy.
Upholding its unique bond to the Church, the Order must remain true to its religious essence and traditions while carrying out its mission to serve the vulnerable.