ROME (AP) ─ In a remote appearance, Pope Leo XIV expressed his hopes for the United States to recommit to its foundational ideals of life and human dignity. This event took place on the eve of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, underscoring the significance of American values in today's context.
The first-ever U.S.-born pope, Leo XIV, highlighted America's historical commitment to welcoming migrants and promoting religious freedom during a live video presentation at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. This center serves as a nonpartisan venue for constitutional education and public debate.
During this engagement, the Liberty Medal was awarded to Pope Leo by the National Constitution Center. This accolade recognizes individuals of "courage and conviction" who have championed liberty on a global scale. The center honored Leo for his "lifelong work promoting religious liberty and freedom of conscience and expression worldwide," values enshrined in the First Amendment by America's founding fathers.
Pope Leo, adorned with the Liberty Medal, addressed the center from Rome and emphasized the day's significance. He planned to observe July 4 at Lampedusa, a Sicilian island that symbolizes the current migrant crisis, particularly amid controversies regarding the treatment of migrants during the Trump administration.
Throughout his remarks, Leo acknowledged the theological and moral obligation to treat migrants with dignity, aligning his views with the Gospel's call to "welcome the stranger." He reflected on America's founding, asserting that courageous men and women aspired to liberty and a better life for future generations. He emphasized the fundamental belief that all men and women are created equal and are entitled to unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
The pope noted the noble vision of the Founding Fathers, asserting that America had become synonymous with freedom because of its open doors to successive waves of immigrants. He remarked how these newcomers and their descendants contributed significantly to the nation's future.
In his discourse, Pope Leo reiterated the Declaration of Independence's commitment to the right to life, stressing that every person must be afforded human dignity and protection from conception until natural death. This perspective reflects the Vatican's stance against abortion and euthanasia.
He proclaimed, "The moral greatness of a nation is manifested, above all, in its capacity to support, protect, and cherish the lives of all, especially the most vulnerable and those whose worth is questioned.” This statement underlines the importance of safeguarding the rights of marginalized groups.
He prayed that the ideals of shared human dignity, equality, and fundamental rights would serve as a "guiding light" for the nation, both now and in the future. The 250th anniversary, he suggested, should usher in a renewed commitment to these ideals, reinforcing America's identity as a nation that prizes peace, prosperity, generosity, and nobility of heart.
Past recipients of the Liberty Medal include notable figures such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and civil rights leader U.S. Rep. John Lewis.
