The Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Fra’ John Dunlap, was received in audience this morning at the Vatican by Pope Francis, discharged just a few days before from the hospital.
The meeting was traditionally attended by members of the Sovereign Council and by the Order’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Antonio Zanardi Landi.
Characterised by great cordiality, the meeting was an opportunity to illustrate to the Holy Father the Order of Malta’s main activities in the spiritual, humanitarian and diplomatic fields over the year, from the war in Ukraine to the disasters in the Mediterranean Sea. Pope Francis listened attentively, exhorting the Order to continue its millenary mission of assistance and charity.
Before being received by Pope Francis, Fra’ John Dunlap, the Grand Commander, the Grand Chancellor and the Ambassador had talks with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.
Earlier today, Pope Francis also appointed Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda as the Order of Malta’s new Patronus.