Jesuits’ Church Foundation appoints Chief Executive Officer

The Jesuits’ Church Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Ambassador Roberto Buontempo as its first Chief Executive Officer, with effect from February 1.

As CEO, Mr Buontempo will head the Foundation's management team, which is responsible for the preservation, restoration, and operation of the Jesuits’ Church in Valletta – one of Malta’s most historically and spiritually significant landmarks.

Mr Buontempo brings extensive executive experience to the role. He has served as Property Manager for the Archdiocese of Malta since 2019, and has also held senior management positions in the private sector. He is also Malta’s non-resident Ambassador to Hungary, Chairperson of the Foundation for Affordable Housing and the Lieutenant for Malta of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. 

Dr David Camilleri, Chairman of the Foundation, said: “We are delighted to have someone of Roberto’s calibre on board. He is committed to ecclesial service and extremely well equipped to develop and promote the Jesuits’ Church as a cultural destination.”

Mr Buontempo said: “I’m honoured to take on this responsibility at such an important moment for the Jesuits’ Church. The Foundation’s work safeguards not only an architectural landmark but also a living spiritual and cultural space. I look forward to collaborating with all our partners to support its restoration and mission.”

Located in the heart of Valletta, the Jesuits’ Church – formally known as the Church of the Circumcision – is one of Valletta’s oldest churches and among the largest in Malta.

Known for its distinctive architectural evolution and rich artistic patrimony, the church – built between 1593 and 1609 by the Society of Jesus – hosts liturgical services, musical events, and heritage activities that connect diverse audiences with Malta’s Catholic tradition and ournation’s history. The church also played a fundamental role in the development of the University of Malta at the old campus in Valletta, and is today still used by the island’s seat of learning for functions and graduation ceremonies. 

Extensive restoration and conservation work is currently underway to preserve the building for future generations and display its rich collection of art, including paintings by Mattia Preti, Giovanni Battista Caracciolo, Stefano Erardi, and Alessio Erardi, among others. 

Established jointly by the Church and State in 2021, the Foundation is tasked with overseeing conservation work, educational and cultural outreach, fundraising initiatives, and the long-term stewardship of the church’s artistic heritage. It works closely with experts, donors, and community partners to ensure that the church remains active, accessible, and a showpiece for visitors.