To put it very simply, the Knights of Malta are sovereign under international law. Their order is in no way subject to the Holy Father, who lacks any authority at all to do more than appoint and dismiss Patrons, and to direct the religious and clerics who assist the Knights.

The Order employs roughly 25,000 doctors, nurses, auxiliaries and paramedics assisted by 80,000 volunteers in more than 120 countries, assisting children, homeless, handicapped, refugees, elderly, terminally ill and lepers. The order also aids victims of natural disasters, epidemics, and war and in several countries, including France, Germany and Ireland, is the most important provider of medical emergency services and training.

The governance of the Knights is lay, not clerical,

It is the Church and the countries being aided dining out on the Knights.