Home  /  Newsroom  /  News Archive  /  2025  /  JFC Naples Hosts Sovereign Order of Malta, Highlighting Shared Commitment to Humanitarian Aid and Global Security

The Sovereign Order of Malta is one of the oldest institutions of Western civilization and maintains diplomatic relations with 114 states and the European Union. It was founded in Jerusalem in the 11th century and has a long history of service to the vulnerable and the sick. In fact, its full name “Sovereign Military Hospitalet Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta”, testifies its origin.

As NATO works to enhance security and stability in our Alliance and beyond, understanding the Order of Malta’s mission offers valuable insights that strengthen our collective ability to provide humanitarian aid and to protect our enduring peace

“NATO and the Order of Malta share a commitment of addressing complex global challenges,” said Admiral Munsch. “As NATO works to enhance security and stability in our Alliance and beyond, understanding the Order of Malta’s mission offers valuable insights that strengthen our collective ability to provide humanitarian aid and to protect our enduring peace.”

Since 1834, the Order of Malta’s seat has been in Rome where Italy has granted it extraterritorial rights.

Today the Order of Malta is active in 130 countries caring for people in need through its medical, social and humanitarian works. Day-to-day, its broad spectrum of social projects provides a constant support for forgotten or excluded members of the society. It is particularly involved in helping people living in the midst of armed conflicts and natural disasters by providing medical assistance, caring for refugees, and distributing medicines and basic equipment for survival. Across the world, the Order of Malta is dedicated to the preservation of human dignity and the care of all those in need, regardless of their origin or religion. It operates through 10 Priories, 50 national Associations, 131 diplomatic missions and representations, 1 worldwide relief agency for humanitarian aid and 45 national volunteer corps, as well as numerous hospitals, medical centers and specialist foundations.

The visit to the JFC Naples headquarters has been the opportunity to highlight the health, social and humanitarian projects that the Sovereign Order of Malta carries out all over the world, facilitated by its diplomatic network and its national associations

“I am very honored for having been received today by Admiral Stuart B. Munsch following our first meeting in 2023 in Rome at the Magistral Palace” Prince and Grand Master of the Order of Malta, Fra’ John T. Dunlap said “The visit to the JFC Naples headquarters has been the opportunity to highlight the health, social and humanitarian projects that the Sovereign Order of Malta carries out all over the world, facilitated by its diplomatic network and its national associations. The Order of Malta is committed to the assistance to all those in need – according to fundamental principles of neutrality and impartiality - and to the protection of civilians and relief operators in situations of conflict” he continued “Today, it has also been an opportunity for me to learn about the activities of JFC Naples in the field of civil defense and emergency humanitarian assistance".

The visit of the delegation of the Order of Malta demonstrates JFC Naples' commitment to humanitarian and social aid and testifies also how JFC Naples is actively engaged in numerous cultural, social, and humanitarian efforts, underscoring its commitment to strengthening community ties and promoting reciprocal understanding.