Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Honduras and the Sovereign Order of Malta were officially established in 1959. These relations were further reinforced with the signing of a Postal Agreement in 1986, marking an early step in institutional cooperation.

In 1991, the Order of Malta expanded its presence in Honduras through the establishment of two permanent structures: the Embassy and the Honduran Association. Their shared mission is to assist the poor and those in need, guided by the principles of Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum.

On April 25, 2014, President Juan Orlando Hernández paid an official visit to Fra’ Matthew Festing, Grand Master of the Order, in Rome. This high-level meeting reflected Honduras’ appreciation for the Order’s humanitarian contributions.

Later, on March 4, 2015, two key documents were signed: a Cooperation Agreement between Honduras and the Order, and a Memorandum of Understanding between Honduras and Malteser International America, reinforcing collaboration in health and humanitarian aid.

On November 26, 2015, the Sovereign Order of Malta was admitted as an Extra-Regional Observer to the Central American Integration System (SICA). This status allows the Order to contribute more actively to medical and humanitarian programs throughout Central America, particularly during natural disasters.

In February 2016, Fra’ Matthew Festing visited Honduras during his first official tour of Central America. On February 18, he was received by President Hernández in Tegucigalpa for a working meeting focused on healthcare, disaster response, and climate change. On February 21, the Grand Master attended a Mass celebrated by Cardinal Óscar Rodríguez Maradiaga in the cathedral of Tegucigalpa, followed by a visit to the Cardinal’s residence. That same day, during a ceremony in the National Congress, Vice President Gladys Aurora López expressed formal gratitude for the Order’s support in education, health, and emergency response.

Today, the Order works actively across Honduras through partnerships with international NGOs such as Americares, World Relief, Food for the Poor, Direct Relief, World Help, and the National Cancer Coalition, promoting health and humanitarian relief for the most vulnerable.