Pope Leo receives Liberty Medal, praises United States ideals from Vatican

PHILADELPHIA, Pa (KTVZ) -- Pope Leo delivered a speech today, Friday, from the Vatican to the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, where he received the Liberty Medal. He expressed hope that the ideals of unity, justice and peace, held by the Founding Fathers, would guide the United States as it approaches its 250th anniversary.

The address marked his first major message to a national audience in his home country.

In his video appearance, the pope praised the United States' history of welcoming immigrants. He urged Americans to uphold the ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. While Pope Leo has sent video messages to local events in the U.S. previously, this was his first address to a national audience. He is originally from Chicago but has not visited the U.S. since becoming pope in May 2025.

Pope Leo, who was born in Chicago, spoke to the assembly at the National Constitution Center with wishes for the nation's future. He stated, “My dear friends, I am honored to accept the Liberty Medal of the National Constitution Center in this year that marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, with the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 On the eve of this momentous occasion, I offer a warm greeting to all those assembled at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, 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 ideals enshrined at the beginning of the Declaration of Independence may continue to guide the flourishing of the nation in unity, justice and peace.”

The National Constitution Center is a nonprofit organization and museum. Its Liberty Medal is awarded to individuals “who strive to secure the blessings of liberty to people around the globe.” Past recipients include former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Dalai Lama.

The pope did not mention President Trump or any other U.S. political leader by name in his address. He urged the U.S. to be united and to work for long-term solutions to its problems. Last month, the pope had warned that history would condemn world leaders who treat immigrants harshly.

Pope Leo delivered his address a day before he was scheduled to travel to Lampedusa. Lampedusa is an Italian island that has become a port of call for one of the world's deadliest migration routes.