Pope Francis has named Cardinal Silvano Tomasi Pontifical Delegate of the Sovereign Order of Malta. He will receive the cardinal's biretta at the Nov. 28 consistory.
Pope Francis has given him the authority to make decisions and conclude the reform process of the Order's Constitutional Charter and Code. He will also be the pope's spokesman for “all that pertains to relations between this Apostolic See and the Order.”
The Order of Malta is a sovereign entity equivalent to a state. It has been recognized since 1048 for its significant humanitarian work around the world. It currently holds diplomatic ties with 120 countries and is made up of 13,500 knights and dames, 80,000 volunteers and 20,000 employees spread across the globe.
Daniel Díaz Vizzi
Translation: CT