The Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM) is a lay religious order of the Catholic Church and a sovereign entity under international law. Founded in Jerusalem around 1048, it is one of the oldest institutions of Western and Christian civilization. Headquartered in Rome, it possesses a unique status as a sovereign subject without territory, maintaining diplomatic relations with over 100 states and holding permanent observer status at the United Nations. Its mission is defined by the motto 'Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum' (Defense of the Faith and Assistance to the Poor).

In modern times, the Order operates primarily as a global humanitarian organization, managing hospitals, medical centers, and ambulance corps in over 120 countries. Despite its charitable focus, it maintains a complex constitutional structure and a sovereign government with its own constitution, passports, stamps, and coins. The Order has recently undergone significant internal restructuring following a constitutional crisis and direct intervention by Pope Francis in 2022, which aimed to reform its governance and emphasize its religious character.