The inter-relationship between the Orders of St Lazarus and of St John during the 16th century

Abstract

On the 28th March 1489, Innocent VIII in no uncertain terms suppressed the Order of St Lazarus and passed on their properties to the Order of St John then stationed in Rhodes, specifically linking these to the French Priory of Aquitaine. The terms of Innocent VIII’s bull Cum sollerti meditatione pensamus were again reiterated by Julius II on 12th July 1505 in the bull Romani Pontificis benignitas. While the 1489 Bull was drawn up within the context of the desire of Innocent VIII to have the Sultan’s brother Jem, then under the protection of the Order of St John, transferred to Rome ; the latter papal bull was drawn up within the context of the Franco- Italian Wars initiated by the French King and opposed by the Holy League re-formed by Julius II to support the claims of King Ferdinand II of Aragon over the Duchy of Milan and the Kingdom of Naples. [excerpt]