The grand master of the order of the Knights of Malta - a powerful Catholic body that traces its origins to the Crusades - has been buried in Rome.
A solemn Mass has been held to remember the grand master of the order of the Knights of Malta, a Catholic order that traces its origins to the Crusades.
His Most Eminent Highness Fra' Andrew Bertie was the first Englishman to lead the order since the 13th Century and was grand master for almost 20 years.
His Most Eminent Highness Fra' Andrew Bertie was the first Englishman to lead the order since the 13th Century and was grand master for almost 20 years.
The order is non-political and runs relief operations in 120 countries, supported by 80,000 volunteers.
Italy's President Georgio Napolitano was among numerous guests present at the commemorative service in Rome.
It is well known for the work it does in many Muslim countries.
The non-political order runs relief operations in 120 countries.
It is supported by 80,000 volunteers and is well known for the work it does in many Muslim countries.
Charm
Charm
This was a funeral for a head of state.
Fra' Bertie, the late prince and grand master of the order of the Knights of Malta, was remembered as a man of enormous charm and dignity.
Fra' Bertie, the late prince and grand master of the order of the Knights of Malta, was remembered as a man of enormous charm and dignity.
He was on the one hand very British but on the other hand, he spoke six languages and [he was] a very international man Mourner
He was on the one hand very British but on the other hand, he spoke six languages and [he was] a very international man Mourner
In 20 years as the grand master, the former school teacher had transformed the order, bringing a fresh approach to the humanitarian work, and extending it to some of the world's most inaccessible regions.
In 20 years as the grand master, the former school teacher had transformed the order, bringing a fresh approach to the humanitarian work, and extending it to some of the world's most inaccessible regions, says the BBC's Christian Fraser in Rome.
Under his leadership, the order has extended its bilateral relations from 49 to 100 countries, and on Friday many sent their representatives to Rome to pay Fra' Bertie their last respects.
Under his leadership, the order extended its bilateral relations from 49 to 100 countries, and on Friday many sent their representatives to Rome to pay Fra' Bertie their respects.
The mass was at the Basilica di Santa Sabina on Rome's ancient Aventine Hill.
The Basilica dei Santi Bonifacio e Alessio, on Rome's ancient Aventine Hill, was filled with 650 guests, diplomats, heads of state, 12 cardinals and a member of the British royal family, Princess Michael of Kent.
The church was filled with 650 guests, diplomats, heads of state, 12 cardinals and a member of the British royal family, Princess Michael of Kent.
Also present were the senior members of the order, dressed in their fine black robes embroidered with a white eight-pointed cross.
Also present were the senior members of the order, dressed in their fine black robes embroidered with a white eight-pointed cross.
One mourner said: "He was an extraordinary man in the sense that he was on the one hand very British but on the other hand, he spoke six languages and [he was] a very international man."
One mourner said: "He was an extraordinary man in the sense that he was on the one hand very British but on the other hand, he spoke six languages and [he was] a very international man."
Succession
The order will meet next Tuesday to select Fra' Bertie's successor. Grand masters, like popes, are elected for life.
The order will meet next Tuesday to select Fra' Bertie's successor. Grand masters, like popes, are elected for life.
Fifty people will vote in the secret ballot and all the votes cast will be destroyed.
Fifty people will vote in the secret ballot and all the votes cast will be destroyed.
The voting continues until one candidate has a simple majority plus one.
The voting continues until one candidate has a simple majority plus one.
The result will stay secret until the new grand master has revealed his identity to the Pope.
The result will stay secret until the new grand master has revealed his identity to the Pope.
I had the pleasure of meeting Fra Andrew Bertie twice while on Pilgrimage in Lourdes with the Order. I must say I totally agree with the comments on his charm. The fact that he makes an effort to meet every Order volunteer on their first trip to Lourdes overwhelmed me. For a man of his standing to acknowledge all the work of the volunteers in the Organisation, no matter of which branch is impressive. Siobhan Ni Chonlocha, Coventry, UK
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