Pope Leo XIV accepted the Liberty Medal on Friday at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, using the occasion to call on America to reaffirm its founding principles of unity, justice, and peace.
Speaking virtually from the Vatican, the pontiff, who was born in Chicago and attended Villanova University in suburban Philadelphia, addressed a diverse audience representing over 30 religions. He emphasized the importance of ideals that transcend fleeting endeavors for a nation to truly flourish.
"As a son of this great country, founded by courageous men and women who dreamed of liberty and of a better life for themselves and for their children, I join you in asking God's blessings upon America's future, that the lofty ideas enshrined at the beginning of the Declaration of Independence may continue to guide the flourishing of the nation in unity, justice and peace," Pope Leo XIV said.
The National Constitution Center chose the pope for the award in recognition of his lifelong work promoting religious liberty and freedom of conscience globally. Vince Stango, interim president and CEO of the center, highlighted these ideals as being fundamental to America's founders and the First Amendment.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, present at the ceremony, noted Philadelphia's significance as a birthplace of American liberty and praised Pope Leo XIV as a religious leader with an extraordinary global impact, dedicated to protecting religious freedom for all faiths. "A country's vitality is deeply tied to the value it affords the human life in every form and condition, acknowledging the dignity endowed upon every human person by virtue of their very existence," the pope stated.
Referencing the nation's upcoming 250th birthday, Pope Leo XIV stated that the first right enshrined by the founders was the right to life, essential for liberty and the pursuit of happiness. He also indirectly acknowledged America's history of immigration, noting that its acceptance of "successive waves of immigrants" has made it a symbol of freedom worldwide. The pope expressed hope that America will remain true to its founding ideal as "The land of the free, and home of the brave."
Concluding his remarks, Pope Leo XIV prayed that the 250th anniversary would serve as an occasion for a recommitment to the ideals that have established America as a nation valuing peace, prosperity, generosity, and nobility of heart.