Vienna, 24 June 2026 – For the Order of Malta, the world’s oldest Catholic lay order, the feast day of St John the Baptist is an official public holiday. To mark this occasion, the Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the Republic of Austria hosted a reception for the Diplomatic Corps at the St. Johanns-Club in Vienna on 22 June 2026. The event showcased the Order’s wide-ranging international humanitarian activities which is currently active in more than 120 countries.
Following a welcome address by the Envoy of the Embassy of the Order of Malta to the Republic of Austria, Constantin Hoheneck, H.E. Ambassador Sebastian Prince of Schoenaich-Carolath reported on the official visit by the Grand Master, Fra’ John T. Dunlap, to the Republic of Austria in November 2025, during which discussions were held with Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and the Mayor of Vienna, Michael Ludwig. During this visit, the Grand Chancellor of the Order of Malta, Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, and Federal Minister Claudia Bauer signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the promotion of religious freedom and the protection of persecuted Christians.
Another key focus was information on combating international Human Trafficking. The Ambassador reported on the Order of Malta’s collaboration with the Archdiocese of Salzburg, which began last year. With an estimated 50 million victims and a global turnover of US-$240 billion, Human Trafficking already ranks third after the arms and drugs trades. ‘Grooming’ represents a new dimension, in which children and young people are forced to produce pornographic content, which is subsequently distributed and marketed internationally. Against this backdrop, the importance of Vienna as the seat of numerous international organisations was emphasised. Owing to its geographical location and international networks, Austria plays a key role in raising awareness amongst decision-makers. Furthermore, people in Austria are also affected by sexual exploitation, forced labour and organ trafficking.
Following a short film about the Order’s global aid programmes, Grand Prior Fra’ Gottfried Kühnelt-Leddihn spoke about Austria’s contribution. He pointed out that the dramatic cuts to the development aid budgets of many countries and the complete abolition of USAID are making aid work extremely difficult. At the same time, the number of humanitarian crises worldwide continues to rise. Thanks to dedicated donors, collaboration with the European Orders of St John, and cooperation with “Neighbours in Need” (“Nachbar in Not”), medical equipment, humanitarian aid supplies and materials for energy provision have nevertheless been delivered to crisis-hit areas. The Grand Priory of Austria participates in all major operations carried out by Malteser International, the Order’s global aid organisation, with a particular focus on supporting the people of Ukraine.
The more than 120 guests from the diplomatic, political, ecclesiastical and civil society sectors were impressed by the scope of the Order’s international activities. During numerous discussions, they took the opportunity to learn more about the Order of Malta’s humanitarian projects and diplomatic initiatives.
Enquiries and contact details
For further information and interview requests, please contact:
- Jochen Ressel | Press Officer
- Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the Republic of Austria
- jochen.ressel@malteser.at | +43 664 1188 561
Download this Press Release (German language)
Links to the short film on the international aid work of the Sovereign Order of Malta
