WASHINGTON, D.C. – AUGUST 5, 2025
Over 2.1 million Knights of Columbus worldwide received a video greeting from Pope Leo XIV at the organization’s 143rd Supreme Convention in Washington, D.C. The Pope, the first American pope, urged the Knights to reflect on the “essential virtue” of hope, particularly during the Jubilee Year of Hope.
He encouraged them to be “tangible signs of hope” for those facing hardships, including the unborn, pregnant mothers, children, and those affected by war.
In his message, Pope Leo XIV commended the Knights’ efforts to bring prayer, fraternity, and charity to their local communities, which has been the Knights’ mission since its founding by Blessed Michael McGivney over 140 years ago.
Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly said, “On behalf of the more than 2.1 million Knights of Columbus around the world, we are privileged to receive this historic video greeting from His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.” Kelly also highlighted the theme of this year’s Supreme Convention, “Heralds of Hope,” which calls on members to give hope to others through service and sacrifice.
In his annual report, Supreme Knight Kelly updated members on the Order’s achievements over the past year and called on Knights to be “heralds of hope.” “This is our mission,” he said. “To give hope to others through our service and sacrifice.
We lift up the family and the faith. We lift up the vulnerable and the persecuted. … Like every generation that came before us, we will move forward — in charity, unity and fraternity. We will serve our Lord by serving others. And we will sacrifice for them, like he did for us.”
The convention also featured a votive Mass for Pope Leo XIV at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated by Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese for Military Services, USA. In his homily, Archbishop Broglio reflected on the unity of believers and urged Knights to remain steadfast in truth.
The Knights of Columbus is a lay Catholic men’s organization with over 2.1 million members worldwide, dedicated to strengthening Catholic families and parishes through service to those in need. In 2023, Knights donated over 47 million service hours and $190 million to worthy causes in their communities.
Leave a Reply