Knights of Columbus presents pope with check for $2.5 million

Published: 2003-10-09

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- A week before the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's election, the Knights of Columbus gave him a check for $2.5 million as an "offering to support your work of peace, reconciliation and charity." The pope welcomed the officers and members of the board of directors of the U.S.-based Catholic men's fraternal and charitable organization Oct. 9, thanking them for "the unfailing support which your order has given to the church's mission." The pope said, "This support is shown in a special way in the 'Vicarius Christi' Fund, which is a sign of the solidarity of the Knights of Columbus with the successor of Peter in his concern for the universal church." The $2.5 million check, representing one year's interest from the fund established in 1981, brought to more than $35 million the amount the Knights has given the pope during his pontificate, said Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson.

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