Editing Sovereign Military Order of Malta (section)

===Operations and accountability===
While the Order is known for its extensive humanitarian work, its operations and internal culture are not without criticism.

* Scandal in Ireland: In 2025, a review of the Order of Malta Ireland recommended challenging its "culture of deference" after it failed to act on sexual abuse allegations involving a volunteer. The scandal led to the dismissal of the entire Irish board.
* Concerns about transparency: The opaque nature of the Order's finances and decision-making processes has drawn criticism from those who feel that, as a charitable organization, it should be more transparent with the public.
* Nobility vs. mission: Some critics argue that the Order's lingering aristocratic traditions and emphasis on noble requirements for certain positions clash with its modern humanitarian mission to serve the poor and sick.