POPE FRANCIS - OUR NEW POPE

Supreme Knight Carl Anderson and the 1.8 million members of the Knights of Columbus extend cordial best wishes and prayers to our newly elected pope.

The election of Pope Francis - the first pope from the American hemisphere - highlights the fact that America is the continent of baptized Christians, and a place of central importance to the faith today.

Pope Francis is well known also for his emphasis on charity - the first principle of the Knights of Columbus. Both in our efforts for evangelization and in our charitable work, we will strive with him to bring the light of Christ to the people of our continent during his historic pontificate.

In taking his name from St. Francis of Assisi, "the man of poverty," and identifying himself so closely with the poor by his public acts and statements, the Holy Father has shown himself to be dedicated to charity. The Knights of Columbus, whose guiding principle is charity, stands with Pope in this dedication to serving those in need. Throughout the world, Knights of Columbus councils work to serve the poor and needy in their communities.

For more about our new Pope, read the many links along the right hand side of this blog!