NEW HAVEN—Pope Leo XIV has appointed Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life.

The mission of the Dicastery, which was formed by Pope Francis, is “the promotion of life, the apostolate of the lay faithful, the pastoral care of the family and its mission according to God’s plan and for the safeguard and support of human life.”
 
“I am deeply grateful to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV for appointing me as a member of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life,” said Supreme Knight Kelly. “Since our founding by Blessed Michael McGivney in 1882, the Knights of Columbus has been dedicated to strengthening Catholic laymen in the faith, to supporting Catholic family life and to building up a culture of life. I look forward to supporting this vital work of the Catholic Church, and I pledge, as always, the loyalty and prayers of our 2.2 million brother Knights around the world for our Holy Father.”
 
Pope Leo sent a video message to the Knights of Columbus 144th Supreme Convention earlier in August, in which the pontiff said: “Building upon the efforts begun by your noble founder, Blessed Michael McGivney, the Knights of Columbus have worked together for well over a century to show Christ’s love to the unborn, expectant mothers, persecuted Christians, victims of war and human trafficking, the poor and vulnerable, and those who live on the margins of society. Through the initiatives undertaken by your local Councils as well as at the national and international levels, countless people have benefited from your kindness.”
 
The Knights of Columbus has more than 2.2 million members in over 17,000 local councils. It is one of the world’s leading charitable organizations. Knights donated more than 48 million service hours and over $200 million for worthy causes in their communities in 2025.