The leadership of the Order of Malta denied the legality of a Vatican investigation into the forced resignation of the group's former grand chancellor, but the commission established by Pope Francis said it "is completely legitimate and authorised" to investigate the matter and inform the Pope.
According to one of the legal notes prepared for the commission, the Pope's right to be informed of the circumstances surrounding the removal of Albrecht Freiherr von Boeselager relates "to the authority he exercises directly and immediately over all baptised faithful, whether lay or clerical."
