Pope Leo XIV thanks the Knights of Columbus for their charitable activity to support the work of the Holy Father, as well as for their efforts to uphold the sanctity of human life in all its stages.
By Devin Watkins
The Board of Directors of the Knights of Columbus, a global Catholic fraternal service order founded in 1882, are visiting Rome during the Jubilee of Hope.
As part of their pilgrimage, Pope Leo XIV met with members of the Board to thank them for their many charitable works around the world.
In his address, the Pope said tens of millions of pilgrims have already come to the Eternal City during the Holy Year.
One of the pieces of art that they undoubtedly see is the baldacchino of Gian Lorenzo Bernini in St. Peter’s Basilica, which, he said, “now shines forth in all of its original beauty after the first comprehensive restoration in its history.”
Another is Bernini’s bronze monument that houses the Cathedra of St. Peter, which was also restored in 2024.
Pope Leo thanked the Knights of Columbus for making these restorations possible through their charitable activity.
“These masterpieces,” he said, “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.”
The Pope said the Knights’ charity to assist the Holy See in these projects offers “a visible sign of your continued devotion to the Vicar of Christ.”
“Throughout its history, the Order has supported the charitable work of the Roman Pontiff in a variety of ways, including through the Vicarius Christi Fund, which allows him to express solidarity with the poor and most vulnerable throughout the world,” he said.
Turning to their outreach through local Councils throughout the world, Pope Leo said the Knights of Columbus seek to bring Christ’s love and compassion to their local communities.
He said the Knights bring men together to “uphold the sanctity of human life in all of its stages, assist victims of war and natural disasters, and support priestly vocations.”
In conclusion, Pope Leo XIV wished the Board of Directors and their families a fruitful pilgrimage, praying that their time in Rome will “nourish your faith, confirm you in hope, and deepen your love for the Church.”
“May you be strengthened to continue the worthy mission begun by your noble founder,” Blessed Michael McGivney.