Sovereign Military Hospitaller
Order of St John of Jerusalem of
Rhodes and of Malta
Order of St John of Jerusalem of
Rhodes and of Malta
10/12/2025
25th Anniversary of the Palermo Protocol Observed in Rome
The Ambassador and Permanent Representative, had the honor of participating in the high-level conference marking the 25th anniversary of the Palermo Protocol at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Despite global efforts, human trafficking continues to expand, affecting an estimated 50 million people worldwide. Leaders of the Order of Malta, government officials, international organizations, and civil society gathered to strengthen coordinated action and improve implementation of existing legal standards to better protect victims and dismantle trafficking networks. H.E. the Grand Chancellor, Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, and the Honorable Pam Bondi, Attorney General of the United States, delivered strong and well-received remarks, underscoring the urgency of renewed global commitment and concrete operational measures. Human trafficking is not only a crime — it is a direct assault on human dignity. Today’s discussions reinforced the need for collective, sustained, and decisive action to eradicate this global scourge.
25/10/2025
Worldwide Surgical Missions, Friends of the Order of Malta in Africa, and the Permanent Representation of the Order of Malta to the African Union Announce Successful Fundraiser Supporting Medical Aid in Burundi
Worldwide Surgical Missions, in conjunction with the Friends of the Order of Malta in Africa and the Permanent Representation of the Order of Malta to the African Union, is pleased to announce the successful completion of a fundraising event held on October 23 at 6:00 PM at a private residence in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
13/08/2025
Ambassador Addresses G20 Interfaith Forum 2025 on Africa’s Interfaith and Humanitarian Leadership
At the G20 Interfaith Forum 2025 in Cape Town, Ambassador Michael P. Murphy, KM, representing the Permanent Mission of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the African Union, called for interfaith cooperation to be placed at the heart of Africa’s peace, health, and resilience strategies.
20/06/2025
Welcoming the New Papal Nuncio
The Ambassador and Staff of the Embassy welcome His Excellency Archbishop +Brian Udaigwe, appointed on April 12, 2025. Welcome to Addis Ababa! We look forward to working with you.
19/06/2025
Ambassador Meets with Nigerian Luminaries
On the fringes of the #IRFSummitAfrica, the Ambassador had a fruitful meeting with Her Excellency, Madame Moma Alice Obassanjo, former First Lady of Nigeria, His Eminence +John Olorunfemi Cardinal Onaiyekan, Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, and His Excellency +Stephen Dami Mamza, Bishop of Yola, Nigeria. In addition to religious freedom, they discussed the work of Malteser International in Nigeria and the possibility of the diplomatic growth of the Order of Malta in Nigeria.
18/06/2025
Ambassador Speaks at International Religious Freedom Summit Africa
The Ambassador was a speaker and participant in the first-ever #IRFSummitAfrica, which presented a series of engaging panels and conversations featuring experts and officials from across the continent. Speakers include chief justices from African countries, representatives of the United Nations in Africa, faith community and NGO leaders, human rights lawyers, survivors of persecution, and more.
07/05/2025
Ambassador Attends Lourdes Pilgrimage
We are pleased to share the successful completion of the pilgrimage of malades and pilgrims from Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda, attended by Ambassador Murphy. This significant journey not only provided spiritual nourishment but also fostered a sense of community and support among participants. A heartfelt thank you to Counselor Sam Mattock of the Order's Embassy in Kenya and Chargé Merha Agonafer in the Order's Ethiopian Embassy for their outstanding dedication and hard work in coordinating this pilgrimage. The Ambassador also extended our gratitude to the companions of the Order of Malta in Kenya, the British Association of the SMOM, the Grand Priory of England for being our hosts. Your collaboration exemplifies the spirit of solidarity and compassion that defines our mission. As we reflect on this pilgrimage, we are reminded of the importance of unity and faith in overcoming challenges. Together, we continue to serve those in need and strengthen our bonds within the community. Thank you to everyone involved for making this pilgrimage a memorable and enriching experience. Let us carry the spirit of Lourdes in our hearts as we move forward in our service to others.
25/10/2024
Ambassador Signs Protocol Establishing Diplomatic Relations with Burundi
The Sovereign Order of Malta and the Republic of Burundi have established full diplomatic relations. On 25 October, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Burundi to the African Union, Ambassador Willy Nyamitwe, and Ambassador Michael P. Murphy, KM, the Permanent Representative of the Order of Malta to the African Union, signed a protocol of agreement in Addis Ababa – Ethiopia – for the establishment of diplomatic relations. “Together we can work to strengthen our efforts in health care, education, and social services, ensuring that the most marginalized in our societies receive the support they need. The Sovereign Order of Malta stands ready to partner with the Republic of Burundi in these endeavours, leveraging our extensive network of aid and resources to foster sustainable development and improve the lives of those we serve” stated Ambassador Murphy on the occasion of the ceremony. The Republic of Burundi becomes the 39th African nation to entertain diplomatic relations with the Sovereign Order of Malta. The number of countries with which the Sovereign Order of Malta enjoys diplomatic relations thus rises to 114.
22/10/2024
King of Lesotho Received at Grand Chancery in Rome
The Grand Chancellor of the Sovereign Order of Malta received on 15th October, King Letsie III of Lesotho. Accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Lejone Mpotjoana, King Letsie III was welcomed at the Magistral Palace, seat of the Order’s government, by the Grand Chancellor Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, the Grand Hospitaller Fra’ Alessandro de Franciscis and the inaugural Ambassador of the Order to Lesotho Michael P. Murphy, KM.