Vatican City: In a historic Jubilee pilgrimage to Rome, the Board of Directors of the Knights of Columbus, the world’s largest Catholic men’s organization, was warmly received by Pope Leo XIV on October 6, marking a significant moment for the fraternity and its mission to foster faith, charity, and fraternity among men worldwide.
Speaking to Vatican News after the audience, Patrick E. Kelly, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, shared his reflections on the meeting, calling it “a wonderful moment to express our gratitude to the Holy Father for his pastoral care and encouragement.” Mr. Kelly emphasized the Pope’s personal appreciation for the charitable and spiritual work undertaken by the Knights, which includes supporting Church initiatives, defending human life, and promoting community service.
“This was my second audience with the Holy Father, but the first time the Board of Directors of the Knights of Columbus met him together,” said Mr. Kelly. “It was an extraordinary experience, especially because the Pope took time to greet our families and acknowledge the contributions of every member present.”
The Supreme Knight reflected on the unique connection of meeting the first American Pope, who grew up in Chicago, noting the sense of closeness and shared heritage for Americans: “Maybe it’s similar to how Poles felt with John Paul II. Pope Leo XIV grew up just a few hundred miles from where I grew up. Yet, his heart is universal; he is a Pope for the entire world, with a deep missionary spirit and care for the poor.”
Mr. Kelly described Pope Leo as a leader who balances cultural familiarity with global vision, inspiring the Knights to continue expanding their mission of service and fraternity.
The audience was notable not only for its spiritual significance but also for its inclusivity. Families of the Knights’ board members were welcomed to meet the Pope, sharing in the joy and inspiration of the encounter. “It was deeply heartwarming to see families come together and receive his blessing,” said Mr. Kelly. “He gave us generous time and attention, which made the visit very personal and meaningful.”
A key topic discussed during the audience was the rising challenge of loneliness and alienation among men in contemporary society. Mr. Kelly highlighted that the Knights of Columbus play a critical role in providing fellowship and spiritual support, creating communities where men can connect with like-minded peers and deepen their relationship with Christ.
“The Pope was very articulate on this,” said Mr. Kelly. “He recognized that men often feel isolated, and he encouraged the Knights to foster environments of brotherhood and faith that address this epidemic of loneliness.”
One of the Knights’ most innovative programs, Cor, was highlighted during the meeting. Cor focuses on the faith formation of men, providing structured study materials, group discussions, and opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual growth.
“We bring men together in an atmosphere of trust and faith,” Mr. Kelly explained. “It’s about study, dialogue, and above all, a personal encounter with one another and with Jesus Christ.” Initially launched on a smaller scale, Cor has now expanded to over 5,000 councils, with plans to reach even more men in the coming year.
The Supreme Knight concluded with an optimistic vision for the future of the Knights of Columbus. “Over the next year, we anticipate another 100,000 men joining our fraternity. As we grow, so too does our ability to serve the Church, strengthen families, and foster communities of faith, hope, and charity,” said Mr. Kelly.
Through the guidance of Pope Leo XIV, the Knights of Columbus continue to affirm their commitment to nurturing spiritual life, empowering men to live virtuously, and cultivating a brotherhood that responds to the pressing needs of the Church and society.
In this historic audience, the Knights were not only encouraged to expand their charitable mission but also reminded that faith and fraternity are inseparable forming the bedrock for a world strengthened by service, compassion, and spiritual resilience.