Pope names Archb. Becciu personal delegate to Order of
Malta
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has named Archbishop Angelo
Becciu as his personal special delegate to the Sovereign Order of Malta.
In a letter Saturday addressed to Archbishop Becciu,
Substitute of the Secretariat of State, the Pope gives him “all necessary
powers” to help the Order reform its Constitution and elect a new leader.
Naming Becciu “as my special delegate to the distinguished
Order” of Malta, the Pope emphasized that he will work in “strict
collaboration” with the Order’s interim leader, Fra' Ludwig Hoffmann von
Rumerstein.
The two of them, he said, must work for “greater good of the
Order and for the reconciliation among all its components, religious and lay.”
Additionally, they will be responsible for developing together “a study in view
of the appropriate spiritual renovation” of the Order’s Constitution.
Pointing to Becciu’s role in particular, the Pope said he
will be charged with caring for “everything related to the spiritual and moral
renewal of the Order, especially the professed members.”
“You will be my exclusive spokesman” in everything relating
to relations between the Order and the Vatican” and “I delegate to you, then,
all the necessary powers to determine any issues that may arise concerning the
implementation of the mandate entrusted to you” the letter said.
Becciu’s mandate will end with the conclusion of the
extraordinary Council to elect a new Grand Master, after the former, Matthew
Festing, resigned last month upon the request of Pope Francis.
The appointment of Becciu falls shortly after Festing’s
resignation on January 24 from his position as Grand Master at the request of
Pope Francis, and the reinstatement of ousted leader Albrecht von Boeselager as
Grand Chancellor.
The “Council Complete of State” to elect a new Grand Master
must be held within three months of the former’s resignation or death.
Though no dates have yet been set, at a press conference highlighting
the Order’s
priorities this week, Boeselager said the council is expected to take
place in late April.
The Sovereign Order of Malta is a chivalric order which was
founded in 1099, originally to provide protection and medical care to Holy Land
pilgrims. It now performs humanitarian work throughout the world, and its two
principle missions are defense of the faith and care for the poor.
It maintains sovereignty, holding diplomatic relations with
more than 100 states and United Nations permanent observer status.
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