The talks centred on the response to emergencies in crisis zones in Gaza, Lebanon and Ukraine and the path of spiritual renewal

Vatican City, 25 June 2026 – The Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Fra’ John T. Dunlap, was received yesterday morning in audience by Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Palace. The meeting was an important moment for sharing and taking stock of the Order’s mission in the world, in a geopolitical framework of serious crises.

During the meeting, the Grand Master presented the Order’s main activities to the Pontiff, starting with major humanitarian interventions in theatres of conflict. Particular attention was paid to the Gaza Strip, where the Order of Malta’s Grand Hospitaller, Josef D. Blotz, recently went together with Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Theophilus III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch, for the inauguration and blessing of a medical clinic in Gaza City. The facility, created from the partnership between the Order of Malta and the Latin Patriarchate and coordinated by Malteser International, will provide basic and life-saving medical care to the local population.  This is part of the Order’s humanitarian commitment, for which over 200 tonnes of basic necessities have already been distributed since the beginning of the conflict. The Grand Master brought as a gift to the Holy Father a drawing made by Ali, a little girl from Gaza City, given to the Grand Hospitaller during his recent visit to the Strip on June 22.

Also discussed was the crisis in Lebanon, where the Order of Malta assists the population in 88 reception centres and continues to send convoys to isolated villages in the south, and the dramatic situation in Ukraine, with active assistance in 70 locations along with psychosocial and rehabilitation support for minors and veterans. The meeting also addressed the dramatic situation unfolding in Venezuela, where the Order has already mobilized to provide assistance to the population affected by yesterday’s devastating earthquake.

During the audience, ample space was left for the important process of implementing institutional reform and the Order’s profound path of spiritual renewal. The Holy Father was informed of the progress of the reforms and, in terms of religious life, of the imminent inauguration of the Novitiate in Rome, a fundamental stage for the formation and spiritual growth of future Professed.

Commenting on the meeting, Fra’ Grand Master John T. Dunlap said: “In an era of increasing global fragmentation and weakening of traditional multilateralism, the Order of Malta’s humanitarian diplomacy is confirmed as a vital instrument for dialogue and peace. The Holy Father was informed, in terms of religious life, of the imminent inauguration of the Novitiate in Rome, a fundamental stage for the formation and spiritual growth of future Professed.

At the conclusion of the private audience, Pope Leo XIV received the Order of Malta’s Sovereign Council and the Order’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Antonio Zanardi Landi.  Following this, the Order’s delegation – composed of the Grand Master, the Grand Commander Fra’ Emmanuel Rousseau, the Grand Chancellor Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, the Grand Hospitaller Josef D. Blotz, the Receiver of the Common Treasure Fra’ Francis Vassallo and the Ambassador himself – met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State.

Photo Credits: Vatican Media