Vatican Relations

Friendship between the Vatican and the Knights of Columbus began more than 100 years. During that time, the Knights of Columbus has helped each pope with initiatives ranging from building recreation and athletic centers in Rome, to printing papal encyclicals in English, to supporting Vatican radio and television evangelization and more.

Papal Mass in Vatican Gardens during the Pilgrimage to Metz, France, 1920, Pope Benedict XV at kneeler, delegates in rows beyond, Swiss guard at left.

Pope John XXIII blesses the audience at St. Peter's Oratory during his visit on May 10, 1959.

Pope Paul VI seated, left, in Vatican Radio Station, to bless the new 100 kW short wave radio transmitters, June 30, 1966.

Signing of the deed of gift to the Holy See, the land on which was located the St. Peter’s Oratory, to be used as the site of the new pontifical hall.

In 1985 the Order purchased a television production van for the Vatican Television Center.

Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass in the Patron Saints of Europe Chapel at its 1981 opening in the Vatican Grottoes.

Count Enrico Galeazzi presents John Paul II with "The Common Christian Roots of the European Nations," printed with funds provided by the Order.

Drawing which shows the work sections on St. Peter's Basilica's façade. The K of C funded the cleaning & restoration of the 65,000-square-foot façade.

Altar chair crafted by Arthur T. Foote, craftsman, made for Pope John Paul II for Papal Mass at Aqueduct Racetrack, 1995.

Fourth Degree Knights stand as a monstrance is carried onto the Plains of Abraham field, Quebec City, during the International Eucharistic Congress.

Pilgrims pose for a “selfie” as they formed a line outside the Mercy Centre at World Youth Day, Krakow, July 2016.

Silent film footage shows the ending of the 1920 Mass in the Vatican Gardens, Pope Benedict XV posing with the pilgrim-Knights, His Holiness addressing the Knights and then leaving by carriage. (:01:20 )
(Knights of Columbus Multimedia Archives / Felici)