Pope Leo XIV delivered a virtual address to the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026, while accepting the 2026 Liberty Medal for his commitment to religious freedom. He emphasized the importance of America's history of welcoming immigrants, stating that the nation has been a symbol of freedom for many around the world. He referenced the Declaration of Independence, highlighting the fundamental rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
In his remarks, Pope Leo expressed a desire for America to remain true to its founding principles and called for God's blessings on the nation's future. He reiterated his commitment to advocating for immigrant and migrant rights, a position he has maintained since becoming Pope in 2025.
Following his address, the Pope traveled to Lampedusa, an Italian island known for its migrant crisis, where he urged Europe to accept more migrants. He described the plight of migrants who have suffered violence and loss at sea and criticized indifference to their struggles. He called for comprehensive policies to address the migrant crisis and support developing countries to prevent forced emigration.
Pope Leo's views on immigration have led to tensions with some Western leaders, including President Donald Trump, who has publicly criticized the Pope's stance on foreign policy.