I read the article Vatican Proves Maltese Author Correct (October 26). The news of the Vatican opening their archives to reveal no heresy committed by the Knights Templar is truly welcome news. It clears the good name of Jacques de Molay and other Templars who were absolved by Pope Clement V. Sadly, the dark smudges of rumours and falsehoods have etched a mark in the pages of history that cannot easily be cleansed. Hopefully, the truth will eventually clean the official record of history.

I applaud the Maltese author, George G. Buttigieg. In his account Of Craft and Honour, Dr Buttigieg has correctly described the true honour and valour of the Knights Templar which was recently corroborated by Barbara Frale's revelations of the Chinon Parchment. I also applaud the Vatican for graciously opening their Archives and ultimately swallowing their pride to admit a centuries-old falsehood. Had this been done centuries ago, we wouldn't have had the avalanche of ill-informed conspiracy theorists who peddled their trashy books on the world.

Perhaps, the best result that can come from this is for more people to value the high ideals of chivalry. Chivalry isn't merely a knight in shining armour... it is a man who has sacrificed much for the sake of a greater good - to honour, preserve, and protect the Christian religion.