$1,839,480 raised to fight the Coronavirus emergency. Live Bid! Lot 46 - Rome and private Vatican tour with wednesday open encounter with the Pope
The Prize
The winners of this prize for two will be mesmerized by the marvels of the Vatican and a tour of its iconic treasures following the Wednesday morning public audience with Pope Francesco. You will then have lunch at Rome’s most exclusive club, the “Caccia” in Palazzo Borghese, followed by a visit of the majestic del Grillo Palais and the Order of Malta’s own Headquarters on the Aventino Hill where you can view Saint Peter’s Cathedral through the key hole of the palaces main
gate. The experience will conclude with a sumptuous dinner offered by Don Riccardo Paterno’, Duca di San Nicola, our very own President of the Italian Associations of the Knights of the Order of Malta (ACISMOM) for a taste of Rome’s exquisite cuisine.
The Cause
The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, known as Order of Malta, was founded in 1048 and made sovereign on February 15, 1113 by Pope Pasquale II. It is the oldest Catholic religious order.
Today the Order of Malta is a recognized subject of international law that maintains bilateral diplomatic relations with 107 countries. It organises with its
doctors, nurses and volunteers charitable and welfare initiatives all over the world and enjoys a special status as an observer at the United Nations. It maintains moreover international collaborative relationships with over 50 countries and organises various humanitarian activities, especially in countries hit by serious crises.
It qualifies as a Sovereign State and being recognized by the Italian State, holds its headquarters, the Magistral Palace and the Villa of Santa Maria del Priorato on the Aventine in Rome, Its motto is tuitio fidei et obsequium pauperum, which means today that nourishes, protects and defends
faith by serving the poor and the sick without any distinction of race or religion. The proceeds of this sale will be donated to assist the Order of Malta and in particular to support the San Giovanni Battista alla Magliana Hospital in Rome, owned by the Order itself that specializes in neuro rehabilitation.
