Pope Leo XIV welcomed the Board of Directors of the Knights of Columbus to the Vatican during the Jubilee of Hope, praising their steadfast commitment to charity, fraternity, and the defense of human life. The Knights, founded in 1882 as a Catholic fraternal order, are in Rome as part of a jubilee pilgrimage that has drawn tens of millions of pilgrims from around the world.

During their audience with the Holy Father, the Pope expressed deep gratitude for the Knights’ ongoing generosity in supporting the mission of the Holy See. He highlighted in particular their contributions to recent restorations inside St. Peter’s Basilica, including Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s majestic baldacchino and the bronze monument housing the Cathedra of St. Peter. Both works, which were restored to their original brilliance, now serve as visual reminders of the faith that unites the universal Church: Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist and the enduring role of Peter’s successor in guiding the faithful.

Pope Leo noted that the Knights’ financial and spiritual support for these projects offers a tangible sign of their devotion to the Vicar of Christ. Their longstanding generosity through initiatives such as the Vicarius Christi Fund, he added, continues to allow the Pope to reach the poor and most vulnerable throughout the world. The Knights’ history, built on service to the Church and solidarity with those in need, reflects a deep understanding of the Gospel’s call to charity.

Turning to their work in parishes and communities across the globe, the Holy Father recognized the Knights as a vital presence in local life. Their efforts to defend the sanctity of life at every stage, to bring relief to those afflicted by war or natural disasters, and to promote priestly vocations, demonstrate what it means to serve Christ through action. In a world often tempted by indifference, the Knights stand as witnesses to faith lived with courage and compassion.

The Pope concluded by offering his prayers for the Board members and their families, asking that their pilgrimage to Rome renew their faith, strengthen their hope, and deepen their love for the Church. He entrusted their continued mission to the intercession of their founder, Blessed Michael McGivney, encouraging them to carry forward his vision of fraternity rooted in service and devotion to God.

Through their fidelity to this mission, Pope Leo affirmed, the Knights of Columbus remain a shining example of lay witness—men united in faith, guided by charity, and committed to building a culture that upholds life, protects the vulnerable, and supports the work of the Church throughout the world.