Order of Malta's Goal to Attain United Nations Status for Global Activities Including Operation of Bethlehem Hospital Facing Constraints


Order of Malta's Key Objective: Enhanced United Nations Status and Global Humanitarian & Diplomatic Priorities

The Grand Master Fra’ John Dunlap held an Audience of the beginning of the year with the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. The Audience took place in the Magistral Villa in Rome. After the speech of the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, the ambassador of Cameroon Antoine Zanga, the Grand Master gave an address. The address outlined the Order’s "increasingly global role" through specific regional engagements:

  • The central takeaway regarding the UN is the Order’s formal push for a higher diplomatic status.

    • Elevated Status: The Grand Master explicitly stated the Order’s goal to attain a status within the United Nations that more accurately reflects the "nature and breadth" of its worldwide activities.


    • Request for Support: He formally called upon the accredited Diplomatic Corps to support this endeavor, signaling a strategic move to increase the Order’s influence in international governance.

    • Contribution to Global Debates: The Order reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to UN-level discussions on:

      • Human trafficking and refugee protection.

      • Religious freedom and interreligious dialogue.

      • Adherence to International Humanitarian Law.

    Regional Diplomatic & Humanitarian Priorities

    The address underscored that the Order is transitioning into an "increasingly global role," moving its focus beyond Europe.

    The Middle East & Ukraine

    • Middle East & the Holy Land

      • Gaza & West Bank: The Order condemned the October 7 attacks and called for the release of hostages. They are currently delivering food aid to Gaza and operating the Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem despite severe constraints. The situation in the West Bank remains a source of profound concern. Restrictions on movement, recurrent violence, and persistent shortages of essential services continue to place an onerous burden on the civilian population. Our mobile clinics remain unable to operate in the Bedouin villages, while the population of Bethlehem is experiencing acute hardship as a result of the collapse of tourism. The Holy Family Hospital, run by the Order of Malta, is a vital maternity and neonatal care facility providing high-quality healthcare to women and infants without distinction. It is currently facing significant operational constraints; nevertheless, the Order remains unwavering in its commitment to sustaining its mission.

    • Ukraine: A call for the protection of civilian infrastructure and a standing offer to facilitate dialogue and peace initiatives, leveraging the Order's neutrality.

    Africa & Latin America

    • African Growth: High-level engagement with Gabon and South Africa, and newly established formal relations with The Gambia and Burundi.

    • Americas Strategy: Announcement of a Regional Conference for the Americas in Buenos Aires (Autumn 2026) to revitalize ties that have been less active since the 1990s.

    Internal Leadership & Transitions

    • Holy See: The Grand Master noted the significant transition following the passing of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo XIV.

    • Operational Modernization: The 2025 establishment of the Advisory Council of the Grand Chancellor (comprising business and science leaders) is now yielding "tangible outcomes" in emergency response.

    Conclusion of Intent

    The Grand Master concluded that the Order's diplomatic network is expanding without "historical, cultural, or religious preconditions," specifically eyeing further progress in Asia and the Pacific throughout 2026.

  • Source: https://www.orderofmalta.int/news/address-grand-master-diplomatic-corps-order-of-malta/

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