Pope Leo XIV sent a video message greeting the Knights of Columbus meeting in Washington, DC, and virtually this week for its 143rd Supreme Convention, blessing the members and exhorting them to bring hope to those who are suffering.
The Pope addressed the Knights as “dear friends” and noted that their gathering, themed “Heralds of Hope,” is taking place during the Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope. Accordingly, the Pontiff centered his message to the Knights on a reflection of this virtue.
“As Catholics, we know that the source of our hope is Jesus Christ and He has sent His followers in every age to bring the good news of his saving Paschal Mystery to the entire world,” Pope Leo said in the video, which can be viewed here.
Pope Leo XIV offers a heartfelt message to the Knights of Columbus gathered for the 143rd Supreme Convention in Washington, D.C.
— Knights of Columbus (@KofC) August 5, 2025
Speaking during the Jubilee Year of Hope, the Holy Father reflects on the virtue of hope and commends the Knights for their faithful witness through… pic.twitter.com/VIRHr7osSe
Emphasizing that the Church must always be a sign of hope to the world by proclaiming the Gospel in word and deed, Pope Leo added, “In a particular way during this Holy Year, we are called to be tangible signs of hope for those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardships of any kind.”
“Your founder, Blessed Michael McGivney, understood this well,” he continued. “He saw the many needs of immigrant Catholics and sought to bring relief to the poor and suffering through his faithful celebration of the sacraments as well as through fraternal assistance, fraternal assistance which continues on to this day.”
The Pope noted that the convention’s 2025 theme reminds the Knights — who include more than 2.1 million members worldwide, according to an Aug. 5 Knights press release — to proclaim hope to their families and local communities.
“In this regard, I commend your efforts to bring together men in your communities for prayer, formation, and fraternity, as well as the many charitable efforts of your local Councils throughout the world,” Pope Leo said. “In particular, your generous service to vulnerable populations, including the unborn, pregnant mothers, children, those who are less fortunate, and those affected by the scourge of war, brings hope and healing to many and continues the noble legacy of your founder.”
Pope Leo concluded his greeting with a blessing over the Knights and said, “I offer my good wishes for the work of the Supreme Convention, which I entrust to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, and to the intercession of Blessed Michael McGivney.”
According to the Aug. 5 release, Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly, his family, and Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori had an audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican July 4, where they presented the Pontiff with several gifts. The release states that among the gifts was a framed photo of the launching of the tank-landing ship that Pope Leo’s father, Louis Prevost, served upon during the D-Day landings in World War II.
Kelly stated in the release that the Knights were privileged to receive the video greeting from Pope Leo.
“The theme of this year’s Supreme Convention, Heralds of Hope, calls our members and all Catholic men to hear our Holy Father’s message, and give hope to others through service and sacrifice,” Kelly said. “Together, we promise Pope Leo XIV our prayers and loyalty, and we will always be united with him.”