Additionally, Benedict followed John Paul II’s precedent and made numerous pastoral visits to Catholics around the world, despite the fact that, at age 78, he was the oldest person to be elected pope in nearly three centuries. In all, Benedict made 24 trips outside of Italy during the eight years of his pontificate. Among those of greatest significance to the Knights were his visits to Poland (2006), the United States (2008), and Mexico and Cuba (2012), as well as World Youth Day events in Cologne, Sydney and Madrid. Even when he was unable to travel, the Holy Father was often present in spirit, sending personal messages via delegates (as with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone’s presence at the 125th Supreme Convention) or satellite messages (as with the International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec and the beatification of martyrs in Mexico City). In various ways, Benedict addressed the growing challenges facing the Catholic Church throughout the world, from the oftenviolent persecution of Christians in areas like the Middle East and Asia to the marginalizing and dehumanizing influence of secularism and the culture of death in the West. Addressing a group
Right: Pope Benedict XVI speaks during a welcoming ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington April 16, 2008. Below right: During his Apostolic Journey to the United States, Pope Benedict receives a first-edition score of Mozart’s “Adagio in B Minor” as a gift for his 81st birthday, presented by Supreme Knight Anderson and Deputy Supreme Knight Dennis A. Savoie. Below: At an interreligious gathering at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, D.C., Pope Benedict is pictured sitting in the chair commissioned by the Order for John Paul II’s 1995 Mass in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Pope Benedict approves a Decree of Heroic Virtue for Father Michael J. McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus. This significant step forward in the process of Father McGivney’s cause for canonization bestows on him the title Venerable Servant of God.
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The Knights of Columbus prepares a robust welcome for the pope during his Apostolic Journey to the United States. Fourth Degree Knights provide an honor guard for several of the pope’s events, including his State Arrival at the White House and Mass in Yankee Stadium. During his homily at St. Patrick Cathedral in New York, Benedict cites the virtues of “that exemplary American priest, the Venerable Michael McGivney.”
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Canadian Knights facilitated the crosscountry pilgrimage of the Ark of the New Covenant in advance of the 49th International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec City. The Order also donated $1 million to offset the operational costs of the event. Pope Benedict delivers the homily at the congress’ closing Mass via satellite.
Together with the Sisters of Life and the Pontifical John Paul II Institute, the Knights of Columbus co-sponsors the Love and Life catechetical site at World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney, Australia. More than 30 college Knights were among the volunteers.