The Embassy of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to Montenegro extends its deepest solidarity and support to the people and Government of Montenegro following the devastating wildfires that have recently struck the country.

In a message conveyed to the Office of the Prime Minister of Montenegro, His Excellency Ambassador Narciso Salvo di Pietraganzili expressed heartfelt condolences and the Order’s unwavering closeness to Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and the nation during this difficult time.

The Order of Malta stands firmly with Montenegro, offering prayers and support to all those affected by this tragedy. The Embassy also pays solemn tribute to the heroic sacrifice of Sergeant Dejan Božović, who lost his life in the line of duty on 12 August 2025 while combating the wildfires. His extraordinary courage and dedication to his nation will forever be remembered.

Ambassador di Pietraganzili emphasized the Order’s commitment to standing by Montenegro in overcoming this crisis and alleviate the suffering of those in need.

The Sovereign Military Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and Malta, born in Jerusalem in the second half of the 11th century, is a primary subject of international law and Catholic and secular religious order. Its mission is to witness to the faith and to serve the poor and the sick. Today the Order of Malta works mainly in the field of medical and social assistance and humanitarian interventions, and is present in over 130 countries. Along with its 13,500 members, they operate 100,000 volunteers, supported by about 60,000 doctors, nurses and paramedics. The Order runs hospitals, medical centres, outpatient clinics, institutes for the elderly and disabled, centers for the terminally ill, social health and psychological assistance projects for migrants and refugees. Malteser International, the Order of Malta’s international relief agency, provides emergency aid in war theaters and in the event of natural disasters. The Order is currently engaged in Ukraine, in over 70 locations in the country and in neighboring countries. In the Middle East, it assists populations victims of conflict, in particular in Lebanon and Gaza (with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem), and runs the only hospital with a neonatal intensive care unit in Bethlehem. The Italian Rescue Corps of the Order of Malta is participating in rescue operations for migrants in the Mediterranean Sea. The Order of Malta is neutral, impartial and apolitical. It has diplomatic relations with 115 countries, official relations with another 5 countries and diplomatic relations with the European Union and the African Union. It has the status of Permanent Observer at the United Nations and is represented in major international organizations. Since 1834 the government of the Sovereign Order of Malta has been based in Rome. The 81st Grand Master is Fr John T. Dunlap.

For further information, please contact:
montenegroembassy@orderofmalta.int