Who owns St John's?

With the current focus on St John's Co-Cathedral, the question of ownership has once again reared its head. Does it belong to the Church or is it government property?

Napoleon's invasion of Malta on June 10, 1798, was a well planned affair instigated by a number of French knights aided by a few Maltese sympathisers. Following the enforced departure of Grand Master Hompesch and his entourage, no time was lost by the French invaders to seize the gold, silver and jewellery in the Grand Masters' palace, the auberges of the Knights, the Conventual Church of St John and all other churches and institutions belonging to the Order.

At this stage it could be argued that all these artefacts belonged to the Order. Later the French turned their attention to Maltese churches and the money deposited at the Monte di Pietà - but that is another story.

The Bishop of Malta, Mgr Vincenzo Labini, did not interfere. Indeed, his attitude surprised Napoleon who, from on board his ship L'Orient, lauded the bishop. He wrote to Labini: "I have learnt with great pleasure the worthy conduct you have shown, the welcome you have given the French troops... assure your flock that the Catholic religion will be respected and its ministers will receive special protection... I wish to meet you when I enter Valletta this evening... rest assured of my wish to prove my esteem which I have for your person."

Before he left Malta on June 16, 1798, Napoleon wrote to the bishop giving the Conventual Church of St John, formerly belonging to the Order, to the Bishop of Malta to be used as a co-cathedral. I believe this document is still in existence.