Roberto Buontempo becomes the first Maltese person appointed to the Grand Magisterium of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre in Rome, with a direct role in supporting Christians in the Holy Land.
As part of these celebrations, a solemn investiture ceremony was held on Saturday, the 7th of November, at the Cathedral of the Assumption in Victoria, Gozo.
During this ceremony, 27 new Knights and Dames were invested into the Order – the largest number of new members ever admitted in a single Investiture of the Maltese Lieutenancy.
During the same celebrations, it was also announced that Christopher Busuttil Delbridge – who currently serves as Chancellor – will become the new Lieutenant for Malta starting in 2027, following the conclusion of Ambassador Buontempo’s term in December 2026.
A historic appointment that recognises eight years of leadership and places Ambassador Buontempo among those responsible for the Order’s key decision-making at an international level.
Ambassador Roberto Buontempo has become the first Maltese citizen to be appointed a member of the Grand Magisterium of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem – a historic milestone for Malta within this international Catholic Order.
This prestigious appointment, made by the Order’s Grand Master, Cardinal Fernando Filoni, acknowledges the significant contribution made by Ambassador Buontempo during his eight-year tenure as Lieutenant for Malta.
Throughout this period, the Maltese Lieutenancy grew substantially, strengthened its international relations, and further expanded its spiritual and charitable endeavours.
The Grand Magisterium serves as the Order’s supreme governing body, working closely with the Cardinal Grand Master and the Governor General to oversee key strategic and administrative decision-making. At the heart of its mission lies the provision of aid to Christian communities in the Holy Land – most notably through support for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, as well as for schools, charitable institutions, and pastoral work.
The Order said that at a time when Christian communities in the Holy Land are grappling with significant challenges – stemming from conflicts, economic hardship, and regional instability – the assistance provided by the Order is vital.
It noted that without the Order’s sustained financial support for education, healthcare, and social welfare, many Christian families would find it far more difficult to remain in their homeland; consequently, the Christian presence in these lands – which has endured for centuries – would face an ever-growing threat.
Through this appointment, Ambassador Buontempo will be directly involved in decisions that shape the future of these communities. His extensive experience in the diplomatic and international spheres is expected to prove highly valuable, particularly at such a delicate juncture for the Holy Land.
His appointment also serves as recognition of his service and dedication, and marks an important milestone for the Maltese Lieutenancy within an Order that currently unites approximately 30,000 Knights and Dames worldwide.
In recognition of his contributions, Ambassador Buontempo will also be conferred the title of Honorary Lieutenant.
This development was announced during the celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of the Order’s establishment in Malta. The events took place in Gozo between the 6th and 8th of November, in the presence of Cardinal Fernando Filoni and the Governor General of the Order, Ambassador Count Leonardo Visconti di Modrone.
Since assuming leadership in 2019, Ambassador Buontempo has worked to strengthen the Order’s presence both in Malta and abroad, increase its membership, and further develop its spiritual and charitable activities.
Among the achievements associated with his tenure is the restoration of the historic church of Santa Marija ta’ Doni in Rabat, which Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna entrusted to the Maltese Lieutenancy in 2020 to serve as its spiritual seat.
Through his initiative, funding was secured from the Malta Tourism Authority to carry out extensive conservation and restoration work; this process also led to the rediscovery of historic paintings that had long been concealed beneath alterations made in more recent times.
The Order said that as Ambassador Roberto Buontempo nears the end of his tenure as Lieutenant for Malta, his appointment to the Grand Magisterium opens a new chapter of service at an international level.
This appointment not only acknowledges his work over the past eight years but also gives Malta a direct voice at the highest level of the Order’s leadership, as well as in its mission to support and sustain the Christian presence in the Holy Land.
Photos: Grand Magisterium of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre in Rome