Josef D. Blotz appointed as Grand Hospitaller of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta
The Sovereign Military order of Malta has announced the appointment of a new Grand Hospitaller.
Following the resignation of the Grand Hospitaller, Fra’ Alessandro de Franciscis, handed in for personal reasons on 17th February 2025, the Sovereign Council, convened for an extraordinary session on Tuesday, 18th February 2025, and appointed H.E. Dr. Josef D. Blotz as Grand Hospitaller of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.
Dr. Josef D. Blotz (born 22 November 1956 in Hadamar) is a former Major General of the German Army. In his last position, he was Deputy Commanding General of the Eurocorps in Strasbourg (France). Josef Blotz joined the Order of Malta in 1992 as a Knight of Magistral Grace and has been a Member of the Sovereign Council since January 2023. Today he has been appointed as Grand Hospitaller.
The Grand Hospitaller’s responsibilities include the offices of Minister of Health and of Social Affairs and Minister for Humanitarian Action and Minister for International Cooperation. He coordinates and supervises the initiatives of the Grand Priories, National Associations and other Order institutions world-wide, all of which are involved in charitable and humanitarian actions, and ensures that Christian principles of care and human dignity are respected.
The Grand Hospitaller is assisted by a Council composed of representatives of all the territorial regions in which the Order of Malta operates.
The Sovereign Order of Malta is one of the oldest institutions of Western and Christian civilisation. A lay religious order of the Catholic Church since 1113 and a subject of international law, the Sovereign Order of Malta has diplomatic relations with over 100 states and the European Union, and permanent observer status at the United Nations. It is neutral, impartial and apolitical.
Today, the Order of Malta is active in 120 countries caring for people in need through its medical, social and humanitarian works. Day-to-day, its broad spectrum of social projects provides a constant support for forgotten or excluded members of society. It is especially involved in helping people living in the midst of armed conflicts and natural disasters by providing medical assistance, caring for refugees, and distributing medicines and basic equipment for survival. Across the world, the Order of Malta is dedicated to the preservation of human dignity and the care of all those in need, regardless of their origin or religion.
Founded in Jerusalem in the 11th century, the Order of Malta has a long history of service to the vulnerable and the sick. This 900-year history is reflected in its full name: Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta. Since 1834 the Order of Malta’s government seat has been in Rome, where it is guaranteed extraterritorial rights.
The Order of Malta operates through 11 Priories, 48 National Associations, 149 diplomatic missions, a worldwide relief agency and 33 national volunteer corps, as well as numerous hospitals, medical centres and specialist foundations. It does not pursue any economic or political goal and does not depend on any other state or government.