Allegiances

One o the many secret societies detailed in Organizations, Agencies, and Secret Societies is the Knights of Malta: 

Knights of Malta

Formed: 1020 AD

HQ: Rome

Locale: Europe, Americas

Objective: Protect Christians, defend Christendom, serve the Pope.

Symbol: Maltese cross

Originally known as the Hospitallers, these knights served as guides and protectors of the pilgrims during the crusades. Unlike the Templars, the Hospitallers were not strictly militaristic. They sought to provide comfort, assistance, healing, and guidance to the pilgrims, rather than just protection. In later years, they were pushed out of the Holy Land by the Islamic armies and eventually set up their headquarters on the island of Malta in 1530. They remained there for nearly 300 years until Napoleon arrived in 1790. On May 16^th of that year, the knights were betrayed by their commander, who surrendered to Napoleon without a fight. They fled Malta and were scattered across Europe. During the 1800s, many of the orders were suppressed by national governments, which seized their property and limited their political power. The Maltese Knights went underground and became a truly "secret" society - holy warriors in an increasingly secular world. Today, there are four cells of Maltese Knights operating in Europe and the Americas. Many of the knights are elite soldiers or intelligence operatives working for Allied countries. The Pope appoints the Grand Master and the order serves him as special agents and soldiers. Their headquarters are in an ancient convent in Rome, which also houses their tombs, libraries, and riches.

Traditionally, Maltese Knights hold the following eight vows: live in truth; have faith; repent of sins; give proof of humility; love justice; be merciful; be sincere and whole-hearted; and endure persecution.

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