New draft constitution continues controversy for Knights of Malta (Pillar)

A new draft constitution for the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, which would decrease the authority of the grand master, is likely to continue controversy within the ancient order.

The Pillar, which obtained a copy of the draft document, reports that it would “introduce dramatic new limits on the office of Grand Master, including term limits, the power of the Sovereign Council to override his decisions, and the requirement that the Grand Chancellor sign off on decrees of the Grand Master.”

The new constitution was drafted at the direction of Pope Francis. Among members of the Knights of Malta, concerns persist that the Pope’s plans will compromise the sovereign status of the group, which members see as essential to its charitable works.