Since taking office as Grand Hospitaller of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in February 2025, Dr. Josef Blotz has underscored the enduring strength of faith and service as the twin pillars guiding the Order’s mission in crisis zones such as Ukraine and Gaza. In a recent interview with Vatican News, Dr. Blotz outlined his vision for a future deeply rooted in spiritual values and responsive humanitarian engagement.
A retired Major General in the German Army and a member of the Order since 1992, Dr. Blotz has brought both military experience and compassionate leadership to the Order’s global outreach. Since joining the Sovereign Council in January 2023, he has been instrumental in expanding the Order’s work in areas wracked by war and deprivation.
The Order is currently active in 64 locations across Ukraine, providing relief amid ongoing conflict, and continues to support vital initiatives in Gaza and Bethlehem. A key success has been its collaboration with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which has led to the delivery of hundreds of tons of food to civilians in Gaza. Plans are now underway to build a basic hospital in the region—pending a stable ceasefire.
“This partnership has become a model for how we respond to urgent human need,” Dr. Blotz shared, noting that preparations for medical infrastructure are ready and deployment will commence as soon as conditions permit.
Dr. Blotz emphasized that the Order’s charitable outreach is inseparable from its spiritual mission. “Faith is not an add-on it is embedded in the DNA of the Order,” he explained. For the Order of Malta, which has served the poor and sick for nearly a thousand years, religious commitment remains the foundation of every act of service.
Both Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV have encouraged the Order to renew its spiritual roots, reminding members that charitable work must always flow from inner faith. Dr. Blotz echoed this sentiment: “The Holy Father reminded us faith and service must move together. This is who we are at our core.”
With diplomatic ties in 115 countries, the Order of Malta enjoys unique freedom to operate across borders, even amid conflict and political instability. Dr. Blotz views this network as essential for the Order’s mission, enabling it to act swiftly and effectively in emergency situations.
He stressed the importance of adapting tradition to modern realities, saying, “Our ability to evolve with the times is what has kept us relevant for centuries. Tradition, for us, means being ready to respond to the needs of the moment.”
As the Order of Malta steps into a new chapter under Dr. Blotz’s leadership, its commitment to humanitarian relief remains unwavering. The blend of faith, adaptability, and tireless service will, he believes, be the foundation of its longevity. “What fuels our journey into the next thousand years is this very combination deep faith, readiness to serve, and the flexibility to act in a changing world.”