Governance

ATS Pro Terra Sancta is the non-governmental charitable organization of the Custody of the Holy Land.

Origins

ATS Pro Terra Sancta was established by decision of the Custody of the Holy Land. The association’s fundamental values have their roots in the history and activities of the Custody itself. The name “Custody of the Holy Land” refers to the Franciscans of the Order of Friars Minor, who have been present in the southeastern Mediterranean region since the earliest days of the Order. Founded by St. Francis in 1209, the Franciscan Order was commissioned by the Church in the 13th century to protect the Holy Places in the Holy Land in the name of all of Christianity. (Full history of the Custody of the Holy Land)

Governance

The head of ATS Pro Terra Sancta is de jure the Custos of the Holy Land.

The following are the leading organs of ATS Pro Terra Sancta:

• General Assembly: sets out the strategies, deliberates on appointments, approves accounts

• Executive Council: responsible for the performance of projects

• Head: de jure, the Custos of the Holy Land, who is responsible for ensuring that goals are kept in mind

• General Secretary: assists the head in the coordination of the work of the executive council and public relations work

• Administrator: responsible for administration, finance, and accounts

• Auditors: oversee economic and financial administration