On the afternoon of June 23, a state reception was held at the Esplanade Hotel in Zagreb on the occasion of the feast of the patron saint of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Rhodes and Malta (the Order’s national day). The event was attended by numerous representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Croatia, as well as individuals from the business, social, cultural and academic sectors. This year, Ambassador Pietro Mortini had the honor of hosting His Eminence Cardinal Dominique Mamberti – Protodeacon of the Holy Roman Church, Prefect of the Supreme Court of the Apostolic Signatura and Balì bearer of the Grand Cross of Honor and Loyalty of our religious order.

The event was attended by His Excellency Most Reverend Mons. Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to Croatia, and Ambassador Neven Pelicarić, Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the Republic of Croatia.

In his address, Ambassador Pietro Mortini highlighted the mission of the Order of Malta and its humanitarian commitment in Croatia through health activities. He outlined the projects and objectives of the Maltese Service in Croatia (https://malteska-sluzba.hr) and highlighted the significant increase in membership compared to the previous year – with many volunteers attending the event – ​​while reiterating the organization’s fundamental objectives: to help, support and protect the human dignity of the poor and sick.

Cardinal Mamberti then extended his greetings, expressing his support for the spiritual and charitable activities of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.

Ambassador Pietro Mortini thanked Cardinal Mamberti for gracing the state reception with his presence, as well as all the distinguished guests who were present.

The ceremony ended with a highly appreciated social gathering.