KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS NEWS
K of C Poll: American Catholics Express Positive Opinion of Pope Benedict XVI’s Pontificate IN THE DAYS following Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation, a Knights of Columbus-Marist poll found that Catholics in the United States gave high marks to the pope emeritus. According to the survey, more than three quarters of Catholics (77 percent) and more than 8 in 10 practicing Catholics (82 percent) have a “very positive” or “positive” impression of Benedict’s tenure as pope. American Catholics also have very positive views about Pope Benedict’s impact on their lives, the direction of the Church and the moral direction of the world. Nearly 7 in 10 Catholics (68 percent) and more than threequarters of practicing Catholics (77 percent) say the Holy Father had a “very positive” or “positive” impact on their lives. Only 13 percent of Catholics and 12 percent of practicing Catholics saw a negative impact. Additionally, 70 percent of Catholics and 75 percent of practicing Catholics
Pope Benedict XVI blesses people gathered in the town square after arriving in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, Feb. 28. It was his final public appearance before he drew to a close his papacy. believe the pope had a “very positive” or “positive” impact on the direction of the Catholic Church. Only about one in five said his impact was negative. Likewise, about two thirds of Catholics (65 percent) and about 7 in
10 practicing Catholics (69 percent) said that Benedict had a “very positive” or “positive” impact on the moral direction of the world. “The data indicates clearly that American Catholics have a deep respect for Pope Benedict XVI and a great appreciation for his pontificate,” said Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson. “That so many felt he had a positive impact on their lives, their Church and their world speaks volumes to the good that he was able to do as pope.” These findings came just days after the cardinals — gathered in Rome to elect the new pope — sent Pope Benedict their gratitude for his Petrine ministry and for his “example of generous pastoral care for the good of the Church and of the world.” For more information about this and other Knights of Columbussponsored Marist polls, visit kofc.org/polls.♦
THE KNIGHTS of Columbus asked its members and all Catholics to pray daily for the Church in the wake of Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation and during the sede vacante period of papal transition. The Order’s campaign came at a time when Pope Benedict XVI had publicly asked for prayers. During an audience Feb. 13, the Holy Father said: “Continue to pray for me, for the Church and for the future pope.” He also thanked all those who have kept him in their prayers. At the time the campaign was launched, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson said, “Until a new pope is elected, we ask Catholics worldwide to pledge to say this prayer daily for Pope Benedict, for the Church and for our future pope, and to encourage their friends and families to do the same.” More than 6 million prayer cards were distributed with the March issue of Columbia, and additional copies of the prayer card, featuring a prayer written by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, were made available for use by parishes, schools and K of C units. The Supreme Council also asked people to record their 6 ♦ COLUMBIA ♦
APRIL 2013
St. Peter’s Basilica is illuminated while seen from the Tiber River in Rome March 11, the evening before the world’s cardinals gathered for the conclave in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope. pledge to pray at the website prayerforthechurch.com, with the intention of bringing the names of those who made the pledge to the installation Mass for the new pope.♦
ST. PETER’S: CNS photo/Paul Hanna, Reuters — BENEDICT: CNS/Paul Haring
Order Sponsors Prayer Campaign During Papal Transition