Leo XIV Met Order of Malta Leadership because of Reform Dispute

Leo XIV received Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda, S.J., Patron of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, and Grand Master Fra’ John Timothy Dunlap on April 10 to address ongoing issues related to the Order’s constitutional reform.

According to CatholicHerald.com, the meeting focused on the Order’s revised Constitutional Charter, drafted under Ghirlanda’s supervision. The reform remains controversial as it reshapes the balance between the Order’s sovereignty and Vatican oversight.

Leo XIV first met both men together before holding separate discussions.

Previous reports had suggested that Cardinal Ghirlanda - appointed by Pope Francis in June 2023 with broad reform powers - could be replaced, possibly by Cardinal Arthur Roche or Cardinal Timothy Dolan.

Nico Spuntoni wrote that the audience aimed to review specific constitutional articles and update related regulations. He added that a leadership change may become likely once Ghirlanda’s mandate ends.

The Order remains unique as both a religious body dependent on the Holy See and a sovereign entity in international law. Francis’s 2022 intervention had introduced a new constitution, replaced the Order’s leadership, and established a provisional Sovereign Council.

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