Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff in history, has called on the United States to recommit itself to its founding ideals of protecting life and human dignity. In a live video appearance at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on the eve of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Pope Leo prayed for the country to uphold its tradition of welcoming migrants and promoting religious freedom. The Pope’s remarks were made as he accepted the institution’s annual Liberty Medal, which recognizes individuals who demonstrate ‘courage and conviction’ in promoting liberty around the world. The prestigious award acknowledged Pope Leo’s lifelong work promoting religious liberty and freedom of conscience and expression.
In his address, Pope Leo referred to America’s foundation by ‘courageous men and women who dreamed of liberty and of a better life for themselves and for their children.’ He emphasized that all men and women are created equal and enjoy certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Pope also highlighted the importance of protecting human dignity, particularly that of the most vulnerable, from conception until natural death. He emphasized that ‘the moral greatness of a nation is manifested, above all, in its capacity to support, protect and cherish the lives of all’. Pope Leo’s remarks come as he prepares to spend July 4th on the Sicilian island of Lampedusa, a primary destination for hundreds of thousands of migrants fleeing conflict, hardship, and poverty.
This choice is particularly poignant given the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigrants, with whom the Pope has clashed over the treatment of migrants. Pope Leo has consistently insisted that migrants be treated with dignity, welcomed, and accompanied, as called for by the Gospel mandate to ‘welcome the stranger.’ The Pope’s prayer for the United States to recommit itself to its founding ideals is a significant call to action, particularly in light of the country’s current immigration policies. **Past recipients of the Liberty Medal include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and U.S. Rep.
John Lewis, the late civil rights leader**.
