Knights of Malta Catholic order celebrates 900 years
The Knights of Malta military order of the Catholic church - which dates back to the time of the Crusades - is celebrating its 900th birthday in Rome.
The order is one of the few created in the Middle Ages that is still active.
It has now become a major international humanitarian organisation.
The order says that its battles today are no longer fought with swords, but with "peaceful tools against disease, poverty, social isolation as well as protecting the faith".
It was officially recognised by Pope Paschal II in February 1113
The order is one of the few created in the Middle Ages that is still active.
It has now become a major international humanitarian organisation.
The order says that its battles today are no longer fought with swords, but with "peaceful tools against disease, poverty, social isolation as well as protecting the faith".
It was officially recognised by Pope Paschal II in February 1113
