Over this past week many Catholics around the world, our Hierarchy, Knights organisations like ourselves, our families and People of other denominations who have a deep respect for Pope Leo XIV have spoken in support of the Holy Father after the disrespectful AI generated image posted by the President of the United State of America and his continued attack on our Pontiff who is recognised as the successor to St Peter, the rock in which Christ said he would build his Church.
The Order of the Knights of St Columba stand squarely with our Holy Father; the Vicar of Christ whose role is to proclaim the Gospel. He is our Spiritual Father and Shepherd who preaches togetherness, peace on earth. He calls out those who are leading us to conflict and asks them to embrace peace whilst preaching the Gospel. We in the Order reaffirm our unequivocal support for Pope Leo XIV and will not standby whilst peace and justice are being trampled.
Many Faithful Catholics in Civic life work in Politics, in the Media, Technology, in fact in all areas of our Society. As such their Faith will guide them. May our faith and our conviction bring respect for human life and may it show respect for the dignity of life.
The Pope has consistently spoken about peace and restraint when reflecting on our World that is beset by war and suffering and situations where the economically strong, the militarily strong are using their strength against those less powerful. The Pope uses the Gospel to appeal to us in his statements when commenting or directing a message to the World at large. He has not crossed over into the Political Space. He should be heard and respected and not disparaged.
We in the Order or the Knights of St Columba and our Families need to pray for Pope Leo XIV as he seeks to unite the World and not divide it. We need to pray as Knights for our Civic Leaders that they will seek peace, unity and conciliation over policies of division of Gods People on Earth. May we as Knights never lose sight of our Purpose in helping to propagate our faith in Charity, Unity and Fraternity. May we never be afraid to denounce those aiming to preach division over Unity and healing.