A ceremony was held yesterday morning at the Magistral Palace in Rome, during which the Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Fra’ John Dunlap, conferred the Grand Cross of the Order pro Merito Melitensi upon several Ambassadors of the Order, including H.E. Ambassador Roberto Musneci.

The distinction was awarded to Ambassadors accredited to Albania, Bulgaria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, North Macedonia, Romania, and Ukraine, in recognition of their longstanding service and dedication to the diplomatic mission of the Order.

In his opening address, the Grand Chancellor, Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, emphasized the fundamental values underpinning the Order’s humanitarian diplomacy. He highlighted neutrality as a moral choice, defined by the refusal to foster division while maintaining a clear commitment to justice, and underscored the unique role of the Order’s diplomatic network in representing enduring principles rather than national interests.

Established in 1920, the Order pro Merito Melitensi is awarded to those whose actions have brought honor and prestige to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.

On this occasion, H.E. Ambassador Roberto Musneci stated: “It is a great honor for me to receive the Grand Cross, which I share with the Embassy team and all those who have supported our work over the years.”