Pope Francis on Friday urged Americans to embrace the nation's history of welcoming immigrants, referencing the ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, as he virtually accepted the 2026 Liberty Medal from the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.
"In these past 250 years, for so many peoples throughout the world, it was the firm resolve to achieve the noble vision of the nation's founders that made America a byword for freedom, as the country opened its doors to successive waves of immigrants, enabling them and their children to play their part in shaping the future of the nation," said Pope Francis, the Catholic Church's first American Pope.
He recalled the Declaration of Independence, stating, "we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men have received fundamental rights from our creator, and they include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." The Pope expressed hope that America will remain true to its founding principles, earning it the title "land of the free and home of the brave."
"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," Pope Francis concluded.
Following his address from the Vatican, Pope Francis traveled to Lampedusa, an Italian island that has become a significant entry point for migrants seeking to reach Europe. There, he appealed for greater acceptance of migrants.
"Here you have seen not just one, but thousands of human beings fallen into the hands of robbers who have taken everything from them, beat them brutally and walked away, leaving them half-dead," he said, describing the perilous journeys undertaken by migrants. "The sea has claimed the lives of others, those who did not manage to reach their hoped-for destination."
The Pope attributed the crisis to various factors, including indifference, corruption, a global economic system that generates poverty, fear fueling prejudice, and criminal calculations by those profiting from suffering. He also pointed to the slow transition from emergency management to comprehensive policies.
Pope Francis stated that Europe, due to its geographical location and institutional framework, is capable of addressing the crisis by integrating immediate relief efforts with a long-term strategic plan for receiving, protecting, supporting, and integrating migrants. He also advocated for assistance to developing countries to prevent forced emigration.
"Indeed, for many a vacation is merely a distraction, a time of lightheartedness and carefree enjoyment. It then seems as though an invisible wall has to be erected between the sea of shipwrecked migrants and the vacationers. Have the courage to think differently," he urged.
Pope Francis's strong stances on immigration and war have previously put him at odds with Western leaders. His remarks have drawn criticism from figures such as former President Donald Trump, who has described the Pope as "terrible for Foreign Policy" and "weak."