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Pope Leo’s message to the 144th Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus
Denver, 4-6 August 2026]
Theme “In The One, We Are One,”
John 17:20-21
20 “I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
Pope Leo’s message
Dear friends,
I am pleased to greet all of you who are attending the 144th Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus, taking place in Denver, Colorado.
I also offer the assurance of my spiritual closeness to those who are participating virtually in the opening ceremonies.As you gather for these days of discussion, fellowship, and prayer under the theme “In the One, We Are One,”I would like to briefly reflect with you on the importance of promoting unity and charity, two of your Order’s foundational principles.
First, unity.
During the Last Supper, Jesus prayed that his apostles would be united (John 17:21). He asked that this gift of unity be given not only to them, but also to those who would believe in him through their words throughout the centuries. (John 17:20).
However, preserving unity is often difficult and cannot be taken for granted.
Unity must be actively cultivated through honest and humble dialogue.
In this regard, I encourage you to continue bearing witness to the concord Jesus desires in your families, parishes, and wider communities.
In an age marked by division and pointed rhetoric, there is a great need for prophets of harmony who build bridges and reconcile opposing positions.
Second: Works of charity.
Works of charity can often be a way to promote unity.
a certain concord often develops between those who give and those who receive when we reach out to help those in need.
This concord also develops among those who work together to assist their brothers and sisters.
Thus, charity becomes not only a response to human suffering and it is a powerful means of fostering fraternity and strengthening the communion that is at the heart of the Christian life.
Your own history is a testament to this truth.
Building upon the efforts of your noble founder, Blessed Michael McGivney, the Knights of Columbus have worked together for over a century to share Christ’s love with the unborn, expectant mothers, persecuted Christians, victims of war and human trafficking, the poor, the vulnerable, and those on the margins of society.
Countless people have benefitted from your kindness through the initiatives undertaken by your local councils, as well as at the national and international levels.
I would like to express my deep gratitude for your Order’s continued generosity towards those less fortunate.
I trust that your endeavors will continue to bear fruit for many years to come.
With these thoughts in mind, I offer my best wishes for the Supreme Convention’s work.
I entrust it to the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, and of Blessed Michael McGivney.
I now impart my apostolic blessing to you, which I extend to all the members of the Knights of Columbus and their families.
May the blessing of the almighty God—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—come down upon you and remain with you forever. Amen.
