Order of Malta

Religious superior and Sovereign of the Order of Malta

The Lieutenant of the Grand Master is elected for term of one year from the Professed Knights by the Council Complete of State. According to the Constitution, as the religious Superior and Sovereign, he must fully dedicate himself to the development of the works of the Order and to set an example of living by Christian principles, to all the members of the Order. He is vested with supreme authorities.

Together with the Sovereign Council, the Lieutenant of the Grand Master issues the legislative measures not covered by the Constitution, promulgates government acts, manages Common Treasure assets, ratifies, international agreements and the summoning of the Chapter General. The States with which the Order has diplomatic relations recognise the Lieutenant of the Grand Master with the prerogatives, immunities and honours reserved for Heads of State. The Lieutenant of the Grand Master resides at the Order’s seat of government the Magistral Palace in Rome.

On the 13th of June 2022, Pope Francis named Fra’ John Dunlap Lieutenant of the Grand Master, as successor of Fra’ Marco Luzzago who had died suddenly on the 7th of June.