Chief Maltese Order stepping on

rome - The leader of the Order of Malta has resigned after a dispute with the Vatican. Knighthood dedicated to humanitarian affairs made Wednesday.

The relationship between the order and the Vatican at odds since the Knights refused to cooperate with an investigation by the Vatican for the dismissal of a senior member of the Order of Malta. The Chancellor of the organization flew last year the avenue after handing out condoms.

Grand Master Matthew Festing now has himself submitted his resignation after Pope Francis since early Tuesday. The resignation of a master is unusual because normally the person for life is appointed. Until a new leader is elected, the great commander assumes his duties true.

The Pope gave last year authorized the investigation, when the dismissed Chancellor asked for his help. Francis called for a five-member committee in life, but the order intimated himself not to interfere with the Vatican.

That cooperation appoint an investigation by the hand of the Vatican, is in Catholic circles considered highly remarkable.

The Order of Malta was founded in 1070 in Jerusalem. Today he has about 12 500 members. It is the oldest surviving knighthood. The head office is located in Rome.