The Path to Peace Gala Foundation, which supports humanitarian causes and the Holy See’s mission at the United Nations, honored Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly this month for his efforts to promote international peace.
Accepting the 2026 Path to Peace Award May 19, Kelly — a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1983 — said the organization remains committed to its mission of charity, unity, and fraternity through humanitarian efforts in communities facing war and religious intolerance.
“We pray that our efforts,” Kelly said, “will help to bring peace and ease suffering, as we give witness to the hope that comes from Jesus Christ.”
According to his official biography, Kelly previously served as senior adviser to the U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom at the State Department, where he worked on global religious freedom policy and served as liaison with the Holy See.
The Path to Peace Gala Foundation, a Catholic organization supporting humanitarian and peace efforts, awards the honor in support of the work of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations, which promotes peace, justice, and the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, president of the Path to Peace Foundation and apostolic nuncio to the U.S., presented the award to Kelly during the event in New York City.