Exclusive interview with Ambassador Amoruso (Order of Malta): “Our diplomacy serves the needy, not interests”

“The global situation is deteriorating on many fronts. We are living in an era of great uncertainty, marked by political and economic transformations of historic proportions. We are witnessing the outbreak of new large-scale conflicts, severe climate changes, and a constant rise in the cost of living. The nature of the Order of Malta as a neutral, apolitical, and independent institution, together with its humanitarian role and activities in over 130 countries, allows it to carry out ‘work for peace and justice in the world,’ as Grand Master Fra’ John Dunlop recently reminded the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Order. Our unique position – both as a religious order and as a sovereign entity under international law – enables us to collaborate with other countries to provide humanitarian aid, medical assistance, and care for refugees across the globe. Our diplomacy is not about promoting the interests of the Order. Rather, our diplomacy is in service to the sick and the poor – regardless of religion, race, or ethnicity – in fulfilment of our mission: Tuitio Fidei, Obsequium Pauperum (defence of the faith through service to the poor).”

In an exclusive interview with Serbian Monitor on the occasion of the Order’s patron saint, St John, Francesco Maria Amoruso, Ambassador of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in Serbia, did not hide the challenges that, even in today’s world, confront an organisation that has been devoted to aiding the sick and practising humanitarian diplomacy for over a thousand years. However, the first eighteen months of his posting in Serbia have been extremely positive: “The first year passed quickly, full of fruitful activity. From the very beginning, I received a warm and sincere welcome in Serbia. The people I’ve met have been open, cooperative, and genuine – qualities that make my work all the more meaningful. I’ve had the privilege of discovering a country rich in history, culture, and deep human values, where strong traditions coexist with a real desire for progress. The Order’s Feast Day will be a particularly important moment as it will allow me and my diplomatic team to evaluate the work done over the past year and identify what still needs to be accomplished, continuing our mission with the support of our traditional partners (foundations, businesses) and seeking new ones.”

After all, the Order has been active in Serbia for more than twenty years.

“Since 2001, the year diplomatic relations were established, the Embassy of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in Serbia has been continuously committed to helping the poorest and most vulnerable. Thanks to cooperation with international partners, every year – sometimes more, sometimes less – we’ve managed to carry out tangible support initiatives. But the history of the Hospitaller Knights’ presence in Serbia is much older: I would highlight that over the Order’s thousand-year history, our activities have continued almost uninterruptedly even on the territory of present-day Serbia. The first and most important hospital facility in this part of Europe was founded by our Knights in Bač, Vojvodina, in 1232. Pilgrims from the West to the Holy Land always passed through these lands. Even in modern times, the Order has maintained an active presence. This year, with a special stamp edition, we’ll commemorate the 140th anniversary of the Order of Malta’s donation to the Kingdom of Serbia of a hospital train, which operated between Niš and Belgrade at the end of the 19th century.”

Isn’t there a risk that the Sovereign Military Order of Malta is sometimes seen as an institution from another era?

“The Sovereign Military Order of Malta is the oldest chivalric order still active precisely because the need for its mission has never ceased. Its long history – which began with Blessed Gerard and the foundation of the first Knights of St John hospital in Jerusalem in the 11th century – is what allows us to continue effectively fulfilling our mission today, through humanitarian diplomacy both globally and here in Serbia.”

How is the Order’s commitment being expressed in Serbia?

“Our contribution is mainly focused on healthcare institutions, through donations of often very expensive medical equipment. We also support facilities for people with disabilities or special needs, providing industrial machinery, ambulances, air conditioning systems, solar power equipment, and other essential tools. Alongside these broader initiatives, we’ve also promoted more targeted actions, such as the programme A Warm Meal for Cold Days, and aid for orphaned children or those from families in need. All of these efforts reflect the commitment of the Order of Malta, which remains active in the same spirit worldwide.”

Ambassador Amoruso among some Order volunteers and a Catholic prelate

You began your social and political commitment through volunteering. How do you believe the Italian third sector – highly structured also from a legislative standpoint – could support Serbia’s development?

“Certainly, the experience of the Italian third sector can serve as an important point of reference for Serbia, both legislatively and organisationally. Equally valuable is the Order of Malta’s capacity to respond to both emergency and ongoing medical and humanitarian needs. The Order’s social assistance programmes reach thousands of people. Across the globe, the Order of Malta – through the efforts of its 13,500 members, 100,000 permanent volunteers, international relief agency, and diplomatic network – is dedicated to upholding human dignity and assisting anyone in need, regardless of their background or religion.”

How can one contribute to the Order’s activities in Serbia?

“We remain inspired by our long tradition. Our aim is to create a group of volunteers and to establish an Association of the Knights of Malta in Serbia. This would represent a significant contribution to the Order’s activities in the country, and I sincerely hope we will succeed in realising it.”