Grand Masters of Order of Saint Lazarus

The Grand Masters of the Order of Saint Lazarus have played a crucial role in the management and expansion of the order throughout the centuries. They were responsible not only for the spiritual mission of the order but also for its military endeavors, particularly during the Crusades.

These leaders often forged alliances with other military orders and local rulers, ensuring the survival and influence of the Order. Their decisions shaped the order's direction and its response to the challenges posed by both rival orders and Muslim forces.

Members of the Grand Masters of Order of Saint Lazarus lineage

• Boyant Roger, 1st Grand Master (?–1142) — First recorded Grand Master of the Order of Saint Lazarus, leading the leper knights from their hospital outside Jerusalem's walls.
• Bartholomew, 2nd Grand Master (?–1153) — Led the leper knights during the height of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem.
• Hughes de Saint-Pol, 3rd Grand Master (?–1163) — Expanded the order's hospital network caring for lepers throughout the Holy Land.
• Gerald de Montchrestien, 4th Grand Master (?–1177) — Oversaw the order during a period when leprosy was widespread among Crusader knights.
• Boyant Roger II, 5th Grand Master (?–1187) — Led the leper knights at the Battle of Hattin in 1187 where they fought with legendary courage, knowing they had nothing to lose.
• Bernard, 6th Grand Master (?–1190) — Managed the order during the Third Crusade and the loss of Jerusalem.
• Gauthier de Neuilly, 7th Grand Master (?–1206) — Re-established the order in Acre after the loss of Jerusalem.
• Jean de Pretz, 8th Grand Master (?–1215) — Led the order during the Fifth Crusade and its hospital missions.
• Raynald de Flory, 9th Grand Master (?–1224) — Expanded the order's presence in Aragón and Catalonia.
• Raymond du Puy, 10th Grand Master (?–1244) — Not to be confused with the Hospitaller leader; managed the order's dual mission of care and combat.
• Jean de Meaux, 11th Grand Master (?–1253) — Oversaw the order during Louis IX's Seventh Crusade.
• Thomas de Sainville, 12th Grand Master (?–1277) — Last Grand Master in the Holy Land. The order relocated to Europe after the fall of Acre.
• Jean de Paris, 13th Grand Master (?–1291) — Managed the transition from the Holy Land to European headquarters.
• Guillaume de Ferrières, 14th Grand Master (?–1310) — Led the order from its new base at Boigny, France, after the loss of the Holy Land.
• Renaud de Meignières, 15th Grand Master (?–1349) — Oversaw the order during the Black Death, when its mission of caring for the sick was desperately needed.
• Adam de Garendon, 16th Grand Master (?–1371) — Managed the order's declining military role as it focused increasingly on hospital work.
• Jean de Choisy, 17th Grand Master (?–1396) — Led the order as its military function faded and charitable mission became predominant.
• Jacques de Besançon, 18th Grand Master (?–1422) — Grand Master during the order's late medieval period, focused on hospital administration.
• François d'Amboise, 19th Grand Master (?–1490) — Oversaw the order's near-extinction as leprosy declined in Europe and its military purpose had long ended.
• Aymard de Chatte, 20th Grand Master (?–1529) — Led the order during its revival under French royal patronage in the Renaissance.