#United States #Washington, D.C. #Pope Leo XIV #Knights of Columbus #Supreme Convention

Inspiring Message from Pope Leo XIV to the Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus, an organization boasting over 2.1 million members worldwide, recently convened in Washington, D.C., for their 143rd Supreme Convention. During this significant event, they were honored to receive a welcoming video greeting from His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, marking a moment of inspiration for these Catholic men dedicated to service and community.

In his message, Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope in history, called on the Knights to reflect upon the vital virtue of hope, particularly during this Jubilee Year of Hope. He emphasized that the foundation of hope lies in Jesus Christ, who empowers believers to spread his essential message to all corners of the earth. The Pope remarked, "As Catholics, we know that the source of our hope is Jesus Christ, and he has sent his followers in every age to bring the good news of his saving Paschal Mystery to the entire world."

The Holy Father took this opportunity to commend the ongoing efforts of the Knights, which have been centered around prayer, charity, and fraternity since the organization's founding by Blessed Michael McGivney over 140 years ago. He urged the members to embody "tangible signs of hope" for those who are struggling, noting that this includes vulnerable individuals such as the unborn, pregnant women, children, and those affected by wars and crises.

Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly expressed profound gratitude for receiving this historic video message, highlighting its significance as the Pope's second video to an American audience. He stated that the theme of this year's convention, Heralds of Hope, challenges all Catholic men to embrace the Holy Father's call to spread hope through selfless acts of service. Looking ahead, Kelly assured Pope Leo XIV of their prayers and loyalty, emphasizing unity within the organization and the Pope.

The cordial relationship between the Knights of Columbus and the Vatican was further solidified during a meeting on July 4, 2025, when Supreme Knight Kelly, along with his family and Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori, presented special gifts to Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. Among these gifts was a framed archival photograph of the LST-286, the tank landing ship on which the Pope's father, Louis Prevost, served during the historic D-Day landings in Normandy.

A Legacy of Service

As one of the leading lay Catholic organizations worldwide, the Knights of Columbus has evolved from its inception in 1882 to a formidable presence committed to charitable activities. The organization prides itself on having donated over 47 million hours of service and contributed more than $190 million to various worthy causes in 2023 alone. Furthermore, the Knights provide a wide range of life insurance products and have accumulated more than $124 billion in insurance in force.

Guided by principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism, the Knights of Columbus aim to reinforce Catholic family structures and local parishes. Their dedication not only helps members grow in their faith but also allows them to translate this faith into action for those in need within their communities.

For more information on the Knights of Columbus or to explore membership opportunities, interested individuals can visit kofc.org/join.

Conclusion

The video message from Pope Leo XIV serves not only as an encouragement for the Knights but also as a reminder of their mission to serve others with compassion and dedication. This historic occasion illustrates the vital connection between faith and community service, showing that even in challenging times, hope prevails through shared efforts and unwavering commitment to one another.