It’s nothing too unusual (and Steampunk might know more than me) - just that the order still owns vast swathes of real estate, and has enormous political capital in Malta, particularly in and around the capital, Valletta…

Essentially Malta was their own personal fiefdom, for the best part of half a millennia (when it wasn’t part of any other kingdom or empire), and you can’t walk down a street in most towns there without stumbling across some evidence of that…

But it’s more than that - Malta is the most devoutly Catholic place in Europe. When I was there, I was told it is more Catholic than Rome. The church owns TV networks, public screens around town showing their sermons, and just… They’re the most influential force on the islands. Much more so than the government, or any other political force. It is… I’ve never been anywhere “developed” where the power of the Church is that immediately apparent.

So yeah, this will… Create waves, to say the least.