Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly issued a statement April 15 in response to disparaging social media comments by President Donald Trump about Pope Leo XIV.
“The Successor of St. Peter is not a politician — he is the Vicar of Christ, entrusted with proclaiming the Gospel and shepherding souls,” the supreme knight said. “The Knights of Columbus has always stood in solidarity with the Holy Father, recognizing in him a spiritual father who calls the world not to division, but to unity; not to conflict, but to peace. In this moment, we reaffirm that commitment with clarity and conviction.”
The statement continued: “At the same time, we recognize that faithful Catholics can and do engage vigorously in the public square, and that nations have a right and duty to safeguard the security of their own people — always in accordance with the demands of justice and the pursuit of peace. The Church does not ask Catholics to withdraw from civic life, but to engage with and elevate it — bringing to our civic dialogue the light of truth, respect for the dignity of every human person, and a steadfast concern for the common good.”
Calling on Knights to be “men of unity, as followers of Christ and patriotic citizens,” the supreme knight concluded by urging prayer for civic leaders and charity in public discourse: “May we be known not for echoing the divisions of our time, but for healing them,” he said. “In a moment of tension, the path forward is not louder conflict, but deeper fidelity — to truth, to charity, and to the Gospel.”
Read the full statement here.








