Order of Malta

The government of the Sovereign Order of Malta has a similar structure to state governments. However, it also includes specific features associated with its nature as a lay religious order, as well as particular terminology evolved from nine centuries of history. The head of the Order of Malta is the Grand Master who governs both as sovereign and as religious superior, and is assisted by the Sovereign Council, which he chairs.

The Sovereign Council is elected for a term of five years and is made up of the Grand Commander (the religious superior of the Order’s religious members); Grand Chancellor (Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Interior); Grand Hospitaller (Minister for Humanitarian Affairs & International Cooperation); Receiver of the Common Treasure (Minister of Finance), together with six other members, all elected by the Chapter General.

Although these titles reflect centuries of tradition they are also roles consistent with 21st century needs. In its unique nature as sovereign and humanitarian institution the Order of Malta, led by its government, continuously intervenes in new areas, responding to requests for humanitarian aid.

Through its diplomatic missions, the Sovereign Order’s government works towards the establishment of new cooperation agreements with other states in the healthcare and humanitarian field. The Order of Malta’s system of governance is divided into three powers: legislative power rests with the Grand Master and Sovereign Council for non-constitutional matters; with the Chapter General – a representative body of members – as far as constitutional rules are concerned, executive power, which resides with the Sovereign Council; and judicial power, which is in the hands of the Courts of the Order.

Chapter General

The Chapter General represents the Supreme Assembly of Knights and meets every five years to elect the members of the Sovereign Council, the Government Council and the Board of Auditors, to amend the Constitution and Code as appropriate and to discuss important issues such as spiritual status, the humanitarian activities programme and international relations of the Order. It is composed, among others, of representatives of Order bodies in the world: Grand Priories, Subpriories and National Associations.

Council Complete of State

The Council Complete of State meets to elect the Grand Master or the Lieutenant of the Grand Master. The election of the Grand Master requires a majority plus one of those present entitled to vote, as provided for in Art. 23 of the Order of Malta Constitution. Among the holders of voting rights are the Lieutenant of the Grand Master or Interim Lieutenant, the members of the Sovereign Council, the Prelate, the Priors, the professed Bailiffs, two professed Knights delegated by each Priory and fifteen representatives of the National Associations.

Sovereign Council

The Sovereign Council is the government of the Order. It is composed of the Grand Master, the holders of the four High Offices (Grand Commander, Grand Chancellor, Grand Hospitaller and Receiver of the Common Treasure) and six other members. Apart from the Grand Master, they are elected by the Chapter General, by a majority of the Knights present. The Sovereign Council is called by the Grand Master and meets at the seat of the Order at least six times a year and whenever special circumstances require it.

Government Council

This is the advisory board to the Sovereign Council in charge of studying political, religious, humanitarian assistance and international issues. It is convened and chaired by the Grand Master and is composed of six Councillors from various geographical regions elected by the Chapter General among Knights in the three Classes of the Order. It meets at least twice a year.

Board of Communications

The Communication Board supervises the internal and external communication activities of the Order and assists the Grand Chancellor in the development and implementation of communication programmes. It is composed of a President and six Councillors chosen from members of the Order, competent in various sectors of communication, management, public relations and mass-media.

Board of Auditors

Is in charge of overseeing and auditing the income, the expenditures and all the assets of the Order. It consists of a President, four ordinary Councillors and two alternates, elected by the Chapter General, from amongst Knights with particular expertise in legal, economic and financial disciplines. It also serves as an advisory board of the Receiver of the Common Treasure.

Juridical Council

This is an expert advisory collegial body that may advise the Grand Master, subject to consultation with the Sovereign Council, on relevant legal issues. It meets at the seat of the Order and is composed of a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, a Secretary General and four members. These are appointed by the Grand Master with the advice of the Sovereign Council ideally from members of the Order, and are law experts, particularly in Order Law, public and international law and Canon Law.

Magistral Courts

Pursuant to the Code, the Magistral Courts exercise the jurisdictional function of court of first resort and of appeal. The Presidents of the Court, the Justices and the Chancellor are appointed by the Grand Master, with the deciding vote of the Sovereign Council, among Order members with legal expertise. Trial procedures, except for directives set forth by the Code, are subject to the rules of civil procedure of the State of the Vatican City. Upon written request of States or international law entities, the Magistral Courts may also act as an arbitration venue for international controversies.

The Office of Advocate General

The Office of Advocate General provides legal assistance pursuant to the Code and is made up of independent members of the legal profession of eminent repute who are experts in law and versed in the traditions and customs of the Order. It is composed of the Advocate General and two alternates who are appointed by the Grand Master with the Sovereign Council for a period of three years renewable. The organisations of the Order should seek the advice and the assistance of the Office of the Advocate General whenever necessary and especially in cases which involve complex legal issue.