Blessed Michael McGivney Center Announces Tribute to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI Exhibit in New Haven Features Numerous Items Related to Papacy

The Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center, operated by the Knights of Columbus at 1 State Street in New Haven, will feature a tribute to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI beginning Wednesday, Jan. 4. The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission and parking (available beneath the building) are free. Visitors are welcome to sign a memorial register in honor of the late pope.

Items on display include:

• A white cassock and zucchetto (skull cap) worn by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI while pope

• A collection of all papal medallions issued during his pontificate

• Several artifacts related to his papacy and relationship with the Knights of Columbus Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI played a significant role in the process of sainthood for Blessed Michael McGivney, the Connecticut native who founded the Knights of Columbus.

While pope, he issued a decree (March 15, 2008) confirming Blessed McGivney had lived a life of “heroic virtue,” or holiness, and conferred upon him the title “Venerable Servant of God.” This action encouraged people to seek a miracle through Blessed McGivney’s intercession, which is required for sainthood. One such miracle was approved by Pope Francis, which enabled Blessed Michael McGivney to be beatified in 2020. One additional miracle is required before he may be declared a saint.

About the Knights of Columbus

In 1882, Blessed Michael McGivney, a young parish priest in New Haven, Connecticut, founded the Knights of Columbus to serve the needs of a largely immigrant Catholic community. What began as a small fraternal benefit society has since grown into one of the world’s leading international charitable organizations, with more than 2 million members in over 16,000 local councils. Last year, Knights around the world donated nearly 48 million service hours and nearly $154 million for worthy causes in their communities. The Knights of Columbus also offers extensive life insurance products to members and their families. Knights of Columbus currently has more than $120 billion* of life insurance in force and was named by Forbes as one of America’s Best Insurance Companies 2023. In addition, the Knights provides investment services in accord with Catholic social teaching through Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors, which holds more than $25 billion in assets under management. Based on the founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity, the Knights of Columbus is committed to strengthening Catholic families and parishes and to practicing faith in action through service to all in need. To learn more or to join the Knights of Columbus, please visit kofc.org/join.