The Sovereign Military Order of Malta is an institution operating medical, social and humanitarian projects in 120 countries. Founded in Jerusalem in the 11th century, it has a long history of service to the vulnerable and the sick. A subject of international law and a lay religious order of the Catholic Church, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta today functions as a Catholic charitable organization (running a number of hospitals throughout the world), and enjoys limited diplomatic status as a “sovereign entity”, it has some features of a sovereign state, including an anthem and a flag (which features a white cross), and diplomatic relations with over 110 countries and the European Union, and Observer Status at the United Nations and its specialized agencies, but no territory. It is neutral, impartial and apolitical.
Its anthem, written in 1930 as a triumphal march, was officially adopted as the anthem shortly after its composer was appointed as a Donat of the Third Class of the Order of Malta in November 1932, as a sign of gratitude for composing the anthem. The anthem is usually played instrumentally in the presence of the Grand Master of the Order, the lyrics are seldom performed.
Special thanks to: Erwin Hoheisel for the lyrics and Eugenio Ajroldi di Robbiate, SMOM Director of Communications, for some of this information.