The Knights of Malta have reached an agreement with Vatican officials to avoid an immediate confrontation over the sovereign status of the ancient order.

Albrecht von Boeselager, the grand chancellor of the order, told members that Cardinal Silvano Tomasi—who was given authority by Pope Francis to amend the constitution of the Order of Malta—has agreed to make some revisions of the statutes that he has drafted. Cardinal Tomasi will meet with leaders of the order in February to discuss the changes.