SMOM - Embassy of Order of Malta to Cyprus

On the morning of January 10, 2026 at the Villa Magistrale in Rome, Sovereign Military Order of Malta Grand Master Fra’ John Dunlap met with the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Order of Malta for the traditional New Year Audience.

Reflecting on a year of profound spiritual and global significance, marked by the Holy Year and a historic transition in the life of the Holy See, the Grand Master outlined the Order’s diplomatic and humanitarian priorities for 2026. His address reaffirmed the Order’s growing global engagement, with a strong focus on Latin America and Africa, and highlighted continued humanitarian action in some of today’s most critical crises, particularly in Palestine, Lebanon, and Ukraine.

Emphasizing the inseparable link between diplomacy and humanitarian presence on the ground, Fra’ John Dunlap reiterated the Order of Malta’s commitment to neutrality, impartiality, and dialogue, in service of the poor, the sick, and those affected by conflict worldwide.

Ambassador Domenico Giani met with H.E. Elena Mina, Chief of State Protocol, and H.E. Theodora Constantinidou, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus.

Discussions focused on institutional collaboration, the Amalthea Humanitarian Corridor, and the upcoming Cooperation Agreement between the MFA and the Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta.

The meetings reaffirmed the excellent relations between Cyprus and the Order, united in their commitment to solidarity and humanitarian service.

Founding Meeting of the “Order of Malta – Cyprus” Association

The Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta convened the founding meeting for the establishment of the “Order of Malta – Cyprus” Association at the Italian-Cypriot Chamber of Commerce in Nicosia, which kindly hosted the event and extended a warm welcome to all participants.

The programme featured an opening blessing by H.E. Archbishop Selim Sfeir, addresses by Dr. Giuseppe Marino and Ambassador Domenico Giani, and a message by Apostolic Nuncio H.E. Mons. Giampietro Dal Toso and H.R.H. Prince Mariano Hugo of Windisch-Graetz delivered via videoconference. A presentation on the mission and humanitarian work of the Order worldwide was followed by an open exchange with participants, marked by genuine interest and engagement.

Ambassador Giani outlined the vision of the emerging Association, founded on three principal pillars:
1- Concrete and consistent works of mercy in support of the sick, the elderly, and those in need;
2- Formation of volunteers, particularly young people, inspired by a spirit of openness and service;
3- Effective partnerships with public institutions, faith communities, NGOs, and the private sector to ensure sustainable and transparent projects.

The meeting took place in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and collaboration, reaffirming the Order’s enduring commitment to serving the most vulnerable in Cyprus. The evening concluded with a reception, offering participants an opportunity for further exchange in a spirit of fraternity and shared purpose.

The Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta in Cyprus successfully facilitated the transfer of over 80 tons of humanitarian goods, provided by the Misericordie d’Italia, to be shipped through the Cyprus humanitarian corridor (Amalthea Plan) under UN Mechanism 2720.

After months of delay, the aid reached Ashdod port on August 20, 2025, where it will be distributed to civilians in need.

Ambassador Domenico Giani, in his capacities as Ambassador of the Order of Malta to Cyprus and Chairman of the Misericordie of Italy expressed gratitude to Cypriot authorities, the Amalthea platform, and the UN for their support, affirming:

"This aid is not only a response to material needs but also a sign of hope and solidarity."

Celebration of the Feast of Saint John the Baptist in Cyprus

Over 120 guests – including diplomats, Cypriot civil and military authorities, religious representatives, and members of international organizations – attended the Embassy of the Order of Malta’s Feast in Cyprus, a moment marked by dialogue, cooperation, and service to the most vulnerable.

In his address, Ambassador Domenico Giani reaffirmed the Order’s commitment to humanitarian diplomacy, recalling how its international subjectivity only finds meaning when directed toward the common good:

“We act with active charity, constructive neutrality, and a spirit of service.”

He particularly highlighted the joint work with the Ministry of Migration and International Protection of Cyprus for the dignified relocation of the most vulnerable migrants from the buffer zone, and shared the Order’s contribution — also through the Misericordie of Italy — to sending over 80 tons of humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza. An ongoing operation made possible thanks to synergies with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Crisis Cabinet for Gaza, UNOPS, and the partners of the “For Gaza” mechanism.

The Cypriot Deputy Minister for Migration, Nicholas Ioannides, underscored the importance of collaboration with the Order of Malta in managing irregular migration, praising the shared commitment to guaranteeing protection and dignity to those fleeing war and persecution. The Order – he added – is also a valuable partner in the national plan “AMALTHEA.”

During the solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by H.E. Mons. Giampietro Dal Toso, Apostolic Nuncio, the charism of the Order was reaffirmed: defending the faith and serving the poor. The Nuncio’s message then turned attention to the Middle East:

“Your humanitarian service helps us see the person in their needs, not as an enemy. Respect for international law and concrete aid are today essential acts of humanity to build peace.”

Thank you to all who took part in this special day. The Order of Malta continues to serve — in Cyprus and beyond — with discretion, resolve, and Christian spirit, for a fairer, more united, and more humane world.

Over 50 tons of humanitarian aid from Misericordie d’Italia arrived in Limassol, Cyprus, on January 26, destined for Gaza. The shipment—made possible by Unicoop Firenze, the Francesca Rava Foundation, and other generous contributors—traveled from Monfalcone with the support of the Embassy of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in Cyprus, the Ministry of Defense, the Joint Operational Command Headquarters, and UNOPS under the UN-2720 verification mechanism.

“We are pleased to announce the arrival of containers filled with hope for the people of Gaza,” said His Excellency Domenico Giani, Ambassador of the Order of Malta to Cyprus and President of the National Confederation of Misericordie d’Italia. “This is a significant milestone, the result of a generous collective mobilization and effective synergy among all involved. We hope that, once the planned inspections are completed, the aid can reach those who need it most as quickly as possible. Each additional day of delay means another day where suffering goes unanswered.”

Next, the supplies will be inspected and sent via the Cyprus Maritime Corridor to Ashdod, then distributed in Gaza by the NGO ANERA, bringing essential relief to those affected by the ongoing conflict.

Pope Francis’s Christmas message highlighted need for unity in Cyprus.

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On November 18, the Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of Malta to Cyprus facilitated the rapid coordination of a critical humanitarian mission. In collaboration with Misericordie, a cargo plane carrying 17 tons of essential aid departed from Pisa, passing through Cyprus, to deliver much-needed supplies to the Palestinian population.

Aεροσκάφος μεταφέρει από Πίζα μέσω Κύπρου ανθρωπιστική βοήθεια στον παλαιστινιακό πληθυσμό Αναχώρησε από Πίζα αεροσκάφος που μεταφέρει μέσω Κύπρου ανθρωπιστική βοήθεια στον παλαιστινιακό πληθυσμόMε στόχο την αντιμετώπιση της ανθρωπιστικής κρίσης στη Γ....

Greeting HE Hon Nikos Christodoulidis, President of Republic on the occasion of Cyprus Indipendence at Presidential Palace

Meeting with Cyprus’ ministry of interior HE hon Konstantinos Ioannou:

Solidarity Mission by the Misericordie d’Italia: Over 17 Tons of Food Aid Departing for Gaza:

Rome, November 16, 2024 – In response to the humanitarian crisis affecting Palestine, the Misericordie d’Italia has launched a solidarity mission in collaboration with the Embassy of the Order of Malta in Cyprus, at the request of the Cypus’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This initiative took shape today with the departure of a C-130J aircraft from the Italian Air Force from Pisa Airport to Larnaca, transporting over 17 tons of essential goods destined for Gaza.

The goods will reach Gaza via the Cyprus Maritime Corridor (CMC), activated by the Cypriot Government in coordination with the United Nations and supported by international partners such as the European Union, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates. The operation is implemented through the UN-2720 verification mechanism, establishing a safe and rapid route for delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza’s population via the port of Ashdod. This system, logistically coordinated by a dedicated United Nations agency (UNOPS), ensures a transparent and multilateral process.

This humanitarian operation was made possible thanks to the responsiveness and sensitivity of the Minister of Defense, the Minister’s Office, the Joint Operational Headquarters of Defense, and the Air Force General Staff, which promptly authorized the flight and contributed to the necessary logistical coordination. The collected goods include flour, tomatoes, pasta, water, milk, biscuits, and other essential food items, which will bring relief to the Palestinian population in a context of great suffering.

Generous contributions were made by businesses and local organizations, including UniCoop Firenze, Eurospin Italia, I Grandi Molini Livorno, Aqualy Company Italia of Marradi, Fondazione Cultura Imprese Solidarietà, the Afeltra pasta factory of Gragnano, Molino Parri srl, the Gonnelli family of Fiumicino, Edilsud of Gragnano (Ferdinando Santarpia), and Vincenzo Staiano (Zi’Aniello, the Pope’s pizzaiolo). A particularly moving contribution came from the children of the Bartolo Longo Institute in Pompeii, many of whom are children of detainees or come from challenging backgrounds. They actively participated in the aid collection under the guidance of the Bishop of Pompeii, Monsignor Tommaso Caputo, and Brother Filippo Rizzo of the Christian Brothers.

“In such a moment of profound suffering for the people of Gaza,” declared Domenico Giani, President of the Misericordie d’Italia and Ambassador of the Order of Malta to Cyprus, “we felt a moral duty to bring tangible support to the local community. Through this initiative, the Misericordie, in collaboration with the SMOM Embassy in Cyprus, aim to express their solidarity with the Palestinian people, offering a sign of hope for a future of peace and reconciliation. However, we are aware that this intervention is only the first step in a broader and more complex path. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza demands a continuous and coordinated effort from the international community. It is necessary to act not only to address immediate needs, such as the distribution of food aid, but also to tackle the root causes of the conflict and promote a lasting solution that ensures the human rights and security of all citizens.”

Giani concluded: “The Misericordie d’Italia, with over eight centuries of history in Christian charity, and the Order of Malta, with a millennial tradition of serving the most vulnerable, have always distinguished themselves for their commitment to solidarity and the promotion of universal brotherhood. This mission is a significant example of how, by rooting ourselves in ecclesial values and collaborating with international institutions and local communities, we can offer concrete support to those most in need, bringing hope and relief in crisis situations.

I would like to extend special thanks to the Italian and international civil and military authorities who made this humanitarian operation possible. A particular thanks goes to the companies and individuals whose generosity made this initiative a reality. This mission is the result of a collective effort, demonstrating how, by joining forces, we can build a future of peace and solidarity.”