On July 4, 2026, Pope Leo XIV visited Lampedusa, Italy, to honor migrants who died attempting to reach Europe. During his visit, he laid flowers at their graves and drew parallels to the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan, urging listeners to act compassionately towards others. The pope's remarks coincided with the 250th anniversary of the United States, a day marked by President Trump's celebrations in Washington, D.C.
In a letter released the previous day, Pope Leo emphasized the importance of upholding the founding ideals of the U.S., particularly in relation to immigration. He called for the protection of human life and for the U.S. to welcome and assist immigrants, acknowledging their contributions to the nation’s history.
The pope also accepted the Liberty Medal in Philadelphia, praising America's tradition of immigration. He has previously criticized Trump’s immigration policies, labeling them as “inhuman” and expressing support for U.S. bishops who opposed mass deportations.
Vice President Vance responded to the pope's stance by suggesting that Catholic leaders should consider the dignity of native-born workers alongside that of immigrants. Leo's visit to Lampedusa aligns with his commitment to defending the dignity of migrants, a priority he shares with his predecessor, Pope Francis.
During his visit, Leo highlighted issues such as economic inequality and political corruption as contributing factors to the plight of migrants. He also emphasized the need for unity in addressing polarization in America and globally, referencing the U.S. motto, 'E pluribus unum.'