A papal delegate has told the former Grand Master of the Order of Malta to stay away from Rome for the election of his successor, due to take place this weekend.
In a letter dated April 15, the Pope’s special delegate to the Order of Malta, Archbishop Angelo Becciu, said that many in the order had “expressed their wish” that Fra’ Matthew Festing stay away for the election.
According to the letter, some members felt that Fra’ Festing’s presence would “reopen wounds” and prevent a return to harmony following a dispute between the Vatican and the order earlier this year.
