During a pilgrimage to Rome amid the Jubilee of Hope, members of the Knights of Columbus received heartfelt thanks from Pope Leo XIV for their steadfast witness to faith, service, and the sanctity of life. According to Vatican News, the Pope expressed deep gratitude for the order’s global charitable works and its commitment to upholding “the sanctity of human life in all of its stages.”
The Knights of Columbus, founded in 1882 by Blessed Michael McGivney, have long been recognized for their mission to serve both Church and community. Pope Leo acknowledged their continued dedication, saying their efforts “offer a visible sign of your continued devotion to the Vicar of Christ.” He commended their work supporting priestly vocations, assisting victims of war and natural disasters, and defending life from conception to natural death — a cornerstone of Catholic social teaching.
Pope Leo also highlighted the Knights’ contributions to restoring sacred art in St. Peter’s Basilica, including Bernini’s famed baldacchino and the bronze Cathedra of St. Peter. “These masterpieces,” the Pope noted, “help all who look upon them to contemplate two of the principal tenets of our faith: the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and the Pope as the Successor of Peter who unites and guides the Church.”
Beyond their visible acts of charity, the Knights continue to support the papal mission through initiatives like the Vicarius Christi Fund, which, according to Vatican News, allows the Holy Father “to express solidarity with the poor and most vulnerable throughout the world.”
Pope Leo concluded his address by blessing the Knights’ leadership and their families, praying that their pilgrimage “nourish your faith, confirm you in hope, and deepen your love for the Church.” He encouraged them to remain steadfast in the mission entrusted to them by their founder, reminding them that true charity springs from faith in Christ and a willingness to serve others selflessly.
As the Church continues to proclaim the Gospel of life in an age that often devalues it, the Knights of Columbus stand as a powerful reminder that faith and fraternity can transform the world — one act of charity at a time.
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