First, this…
Arthur Roche leaving Divine Worship to become patron of the Order of Malta, according to a Vatican source. If true, great opportunity for Pope Leo to appoint a non-sociopath to supervise liturgy.
— Damian Thompson (@holysmoke) March 29, 2026
Now, this…
AGI/AMSA Rome April 1, 2026
The Sovereign Military Order of Malta, popularly known as the Knights of Malta, has reportedly declared that it has “entered upon a period of complete and sovereign estrangement” from the Holy See.
Sources in Rome claim the rupture follows years of mounting frustration over the Holy See’s interventions with the Knights of Malta, which many within the ancient Order have regarded as incompatible with its historic dignity and quasi-sovereign character.
Pope Francis intervened forcefully in the Order of Malta’s internal governance. After a leadership controversy in 2017 crisis he appointed papal delegates to oversee reform, and in 2022 imposed a new constitution, dismissed the Sovereign Council, and installed a provisional government, sharply curtailing the Order’s customary autonomy.
The extraordinary communiqué cited “prolonged discourtesies, innovations, administrative intrusions, and a lamentable indifference to venerable custom” among the motives for the dramatic step. A senior figure within the Order, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated: “There comes a moment when a gentleman must defend tradition.”
Giving substance to the rumors, long time Vatican observer Damian Thompson reported via X on March 31 the imminent lateral move of Cardinal Arthur Roche from the Holy See’s liturgy office, to be the new Patron of the Order of Malta. Asked about this development, an anonymous source member called this, “the last straw”. Roche is known mainly for his consistent attacks on Catholic tradition.
In what observers are calling the most startling element of the announcement, representatives of the Order are said to be preparing to attend the forthcoming episcopal consecrations at Écône on July 1, 2026, at the invitation of the Society of St. Pius X. The Society, known also as the SSPX has stated that they will consecrate more bishops without the permission of the Holy See, a move which some say is a schismatic act.
While no official list of attendees has yet been released by the Society, it is projected that several high ranking knights will attend in full ceremonial dress.
Vatican officials have declined formal comment.
