During the Knights of Columbus’ 144th Supreme Convention in Denver August 4-6, Pope Leo XIV called on the Knights to be “prophets of harmony” by promoting the virtues of unity and charity.
“I express deep gratitude for your orders, continued generosity to the less fortunate, and trust that your endeavors will continue to bear fruit for many years to come,” the Holy Father said in a video message.
The pope encouraged the Knights “to continue bearing witness to that concord which Jesus so ardently desires,” within families, parishes, and wider communities. “In an age all too often marked by division and pointed rhetoric, thereʼs a great need for prophets of harmony who seek to build bridges and strive to reconcile opposing positions wherever possible.” Click here to read more from EWTN News.
Also during the convention, Archbishop Paul Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), reflected on “the virtue of patriotism”. The archbishop drew a clear distinction between authentic patriotism and distorted nationalism, emphasizing that true love of country must be rooted in virtue. “Patriotism is not first and foremost a political virtue; itʼs a religious one,” he said. “We are called to love our country. Honor your country as you honor your parents with gratitude, with loyalty, and with honesty that never mistakes flattery for love. Put God first and let your patriotism flow from that priority rather than compete with it.”