The Universal Archconfraternity of Papal Knights, Dames, and Esquires is an international organization established within the guidelines established and approved by the late Angelo Cardinal Sodano.  Cardinal Sodano was the secretary of state for Pope St. John Paul II and part of Pope Benedict XVI’s term.  He was also the Dean of the College of Cardinals.

 

The Cardinal Angelo Sodano Holy Land Foundation is the financial arm of the Universal Archconfraternity.  The Foundation is organized for the purpose of supporting the mission and goals, as set forth in the Foundation’s Constitution and such other nonprofit and tax-exempt, related efforts as the Board of Directors may determine from time to time.  In addition, the Foundation may engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the laws of the State of New York, subject to the following:

 

The purpose of the Foundation is exclusively charitable within the meaning of IRS Code Section 501(c)(3) and is exempt of federal income taxation under IRS Code Section 501(c)(3).  The Foundation is a public benefit not for profit, and as such, does not afford pecuniary gain, incidentally or otherwise, to its members.  Thus, no part of the net earnings of the Foundation shall inure to the benefit of its directors, officers, members, or other private individuals, except that the Foundation may pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and make payments and distributions in furtherance of its charitable purposes as set forth herein.