International Organization

This organization is a unique International Organization.

Knights and Dames of the Order

As time passed the military aspects of the Order have been reduced to ceremonial in nature and emphasis has been placed upon the hospitaller functions. Distinguished men and women of all races and creeds are eligible for honor of investiture as Knights and Dames of the Order.

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD
Proceedings and debates of the 97th Congress, Second Session;
(Washington, Monday, February 23, 1981)

Sovereign International Entity

While it is primarily a charitable public foundation, it is also a Sovereign International Entity.

The Order

The Knights of Malta is a Hospitaller, Dynastic, Lay Order of Universal Brotherhood, and Knighthood.

Relief of the Suffering of Humanity

The Knights of Malta has a supreme purpose: the hospitallers assistance, asylum and charity, relief of the suffering of humanity and continuing the traditions which have stood for centuries: Sciences, Faith, Moral Justice, Social Order, exist full Diplomatic Relations.

Since 1048

History dates back to 1048 and the time of the Crusades.

A Juridical Person

Regards the Sovereignty, the Order is a Juridical Person, subject to

• Inalienable and Inviolable International Rights
• Engaging in Legislation
• Administration
• Jurisprudence.

Constituted Publicly

The Order is organized in territories of the states, where It is constituted publicly in prior federal corporate consulates. This form merely facilitates doing business within those states and does not constitute a forfeiture of the Sovereignty of the Order.