A study on the correspondence between Grand Master Despuig and the ambassador to the Holy See De Schade 1736-1741

Abstract

This dissertation seeks to uncover what was going on between the Catalan Grand Master Despuig (1736-1741) and the Holy See. The main primary sources used for this dissertation are the correspondence between the Grand Master and the Ambassador to the Holy See de Schade. The events that occurred in the Sacra Rota Romana regarding disputes over commanderies, corso and religious affairs are the main points that this dissertation tries to unveil and to add to our knowledge. Other important points that come out from this dissertation concern the knights as individual members of the Order and what they were interested in during their career as knights of the Order of St. John. Given the fact that during this period there were a number of aristocratic families who worked hand in hand with the higher authority of the Roman Catholic Church, this dissertation seeks to unveil what were their intensions and what was their interest in the Order of St. John. The magistracy of Despuig started in December 1736 after his predecessor Grand Master Manoel who was beloved by all the [people of Malta died due to severe bad health. He suffered from difficulties in the passage of urine, colds, fever, lack of appetite and vomiting.