Pope Leo XIV Addresses Immigration in Virtual Speech at Liberty Medal Ceremony

Pope Leo XIV delivered a virtual address to the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026, while accepting the Liberty Medal for his commitment to religious freedom. He emphasized the importance of America's history of welcoming immigrants, stating that the nation's founding principles have made it a symbol of freedom for many people worldwide. The Pope referenced the Declaration of Independence, highlighting the fundamental rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. He expressed hope that America would continue to uphold these ideals and support vulnerable populations, particularly immigrants. Following his address, he traveled to Lampedusa, an Italian island known for its migrant crisis, where he reiterated the need for Europe to accept more migrants and called for comprehensive policies to address the challenges they face. The Pope's remarks included a critique of indifference and corruption that contribute to the plight of migrants, urging a collective response to the crisis.