Vatican City, Jan 25, 2017 / 02:29 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The Knights of Malta have confirmed that Matthew Festing, the Prince and Grand Master of the Order, has agreed to submit his resignation after being asked to do so in a meeting with Pope Francis Tuesday.

“The Grand Master met the Pope yesterday evening and (Francis) asked him to resign,” Eugenio Ajroldi di Robbiate, Communications Director for the Order of Malta, told CNA Jan. 25.