Pope Francis has issued a decree promulgating a new constitution for the Order of Malta
and dissolving its current leadership.
The Pope also convoked an extraordinary general chapter for January 25 to begin the process of electing a new Grand Master.
The over 900-year-old sovereign order has some 13,500 members and 95,000 volunteers worldwide that operate refugee camps, clinics, and organize disaster relief projects.
The Order of Malta had been involved in a process to reform its constitution since 2017. The Pope's special delegate to the Order, Cardinal Silvano Tomasi, has assured that the new constitution would not weaken its international sovereignty.
Under the new constitution, top leadership positions within the order, including its Grand Master, will no longer be required to descend from noble lineage.
Additionally, the Grand Master will no longer follow the tradition of being elected for life, but will rather be elected for once renewable 10-year terms, and will be obligated to resign at age 85.
JM
