The Dignitatis Humanae Institute is thrilled to congratulate its former Vice Chairman, Ilyas Khan, on receiving a Papal Knighthood from Pope Francis.
Ilyas has long been known for his many years of quiet philanthropy around the world. He served two full terms as the Chairman of Leonard Cheshire Disability (the world’s largest NGO supporting disabled people), and he has recently become the inaugural Chairman of the Stephen Hawking Foundation. He is also a Fellow of St Edmund’s College Cambridge.
Pope Francis created Ilyas Knight of the Order of St. Gregory the Great. The original citation (in Latin) can be downloaded here.
Lord Alton of Liverpool, who has worked closely with Ilyas, told the DHI: “Ilyas is one of those rare individuals who is both incredibly full of energy – and also able to direct that energy with laser-like precision. Ilyas is a fine example of everything a Catholic should be.”
“I’ve seen first-hand how Ilyas – who is also the driving force behind the Christian Heritage Centre project at Stonyhurst College (the world’s oldest Jesuit school) – achieves astonishing results. He has used his talents with great humility to make the world a better place promoting the common good. I am delighted for Ilyas and his wife Mara.”
Speaking on behalf of the DHI, Honorary President H.E. Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino, said: “Ilyas has been a quiet, discreet supporter of many worthy causes for years. It is not surprise to us at the DHI that he has been recognised by the Holy Father in this way.”
