The Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Fra’ John T. Dunlap, received this morning in audience by Pope Leo XIV, was on his first official visit to the Holy Father since the beginning of his pontificate. The meeting took place on the eve of the feast of St. John the Baptist, patron of the Order, which is celebrated on 24 June.

Referring to his first audience with the new Pontiff, Grand Master Fra’ John T. Dunlap said: “In a year marked by new geopolitical tensions, ongoing humanitarian crises and profound social transformations, the Order of Malta continues in its thousand-year mission of assistance to the poor and sick. This audience with Pope Leo XIV confirms us in our mission as witnesses of Christian charity through service, diplomacy and care, in a spirit of peace and humility.”

During the colloquium, the Grand Master presented the Order of Malta’s main spiritual, humanitarian and diplomatic activities to the Pope. During 2024 and 2025, the Order has stepped up its presence in the major global crisis contexts, with medical assistance, distribution of essential goods, psychosocial support and reconstruction programmes in the most vulnerable areas of the planet.

With a network of 13,500 members, 100,000 volunteers, 52,000 employees and some 100 diplomatic missions, the Order operates today in 130 countries, bringing relief to those who suffer, regardless of origin or creed.

The Grand Master brought the gift of a silver medal representing the remarkable commitment of the Order’s volunteers for the 2025 Jubilee. There are now over 2,000 volunteers working in the First Aid centres in the papal basilicas in Rome, including the First Aid Post in St Peter’s Square, active for 75 years, 365 days a year, for all pilgrims, in particular during the papal audiences on Wednesdays and religious ceremonies.

At the end of the private audience, Pope Leo XIV received the Order of Malta’s Sovereign Council and its ambassador to the Holy See, Antonio Zanardi Landi.

Photograph © Vatican Media