Order of Malta Explains the Necessity of Diplomacy in the Service of Humanity
The Sovereign Order of Malta, the world's oldest Catholic lay order, reaffirmed its pivotal role in global humanitarian aid through diplomatic channels at a reception in Vienna. Sebastian Schoenaich-Carolath, Ambassador of the Order of Malta to the Republic of Austria, emphasized the importance of the Order's unique position as a subject of international law in enabling sustainable development and emergency aid in crisis areas.
H.E. DI Sebastian Prince von Schoenaich-Carolath (l.) is the Ambassador of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to the Republic of Austria. / Picture: © Malteserorden/Nicusor Floroaica
At the traditional diplomatic reception at the St. Johanns Club in Vienna, hosted by H.E. DI Sebastian Prince of Schoenaich-Carolath, the ambassador emphasized the growing relevance of the Order's diplomatic efforts in light of the escalating global situation. Numerous representatives of the diplomatic corps, high-ranking figures from the Church, politics, the military, and civil society, including the Apostolic Nuncio to Austria, Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana, attended the reception and took the opportunity to exchange information informally. Grand Prior Fra' Gottfried Kühnelt-Leddihn also paid tribute to the ambassador's many years of service.
The Order, which has had its seat of government in Rome since 1834 and enjoys extraterritorial rights there, maintains diplomatic relations with around 120 states and the European Union and has permanent observer status at the United Nations. This position under international law enables the Order of Malta to act as a neutral, impartial, and apolitical actor even in the most difficult regions and to provide life-saving assistance.
Operations in Ukraine, the Middle East, and against human trafficking
Ambassador Schoenaich-Carolath reported on specific initiatives in Ukraine, where Malteser International has been active since the 1990s, providing relief supplies and psychosocial support. The Order is also tirelessly active in the West Bank, Gaza, and Lebanon. An outstanding example is the Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem. This modern maternity clinic, which has been run by the Order of Malta since 1990, enables more than 350 children a month to be born under good medical conditions – a testament to the Order's trusting relationship with all political and religious groups in the region. Cooperation with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem is crucial in order to make humanitarian aid in these conflict areas possible in the first place.
Another central concern of the Order is the fight against human trafficking. The Order of Malta uses its international network and diplomatic status to raise awareness, protect victims, and carry out preventive work.
Austrian Grand Priory as a driving force
The Grand Priory of Austria plays a decisive role in the international development of the Order. It was instrumental in the founding of the Maltese Association in Slovakia and also supports the establishment of independent structures and effective local aid organizations in Lithuania and Estonia in order to further strengthen the Order's humanitarian reach.
The Order of Malta remains true to its founding mission of serving the poor and the sick. With 13,500 members, 95,000 volunteers, and the support of around 52,000 doctors, nurses, and medical staff, the Order operates hospitals, medical centers, and various care facilities in over 120 countries, always guided by the principle of alleviating human suffering.