As the United States gears up for its 250th independence anniversary, the National Constitution Center honored America’s first pope on Friday with a 2026 Medal of Freedom.
This annual award acknowledges “men and women of courage and conviction who strive to secure the blessings of freedom for people around the world.” Pope Leo XIV received the medal for his “lifelong work promoting religious freedom, freedom of conscience, and expression globally—ideals enshrined in the First Amendment by America’s Founders.”
The medal presentation occurred during a private event on April 30th at the Vatican, led by Vince Stango, the interim director and CEO of the National Constitution Center.
The Pope reflected on the words of America’s Founding Fathers from 250 years ago, emphasizing that “all humans are endowed with fundamental rights from their Creator,” including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
He hopes these values will continue to inspire not just the U.S. but the world. Working together to ensure that these freedoms are a reality for everyone is crucial, he added.
The ceremony was initially set to take place near Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed, but was moved to the National Constitution Center due to excessive heat. Participants included Pennsylvania’s Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro, Philadelphia Mayor Sherrell Parker, and local religious leaders.
Pope Leo, addressing attendees from the Vatican via a 10-minute reception, discussed the connection between American identity and the principles of the Declaration of Independence, which has shaped the nation’s history.
“As part of this great nation founded by those who aspired for freedom and a better future, I pray that God blesses America, ensuring that the ideals outlined in the Declaration continue to direct our nation’s growth in unity, justice, and peace,” he said. Yet, he acknowledged that the journey toward building a just society is ongoing and fraught with challenges. Each generation must renew its commitment to this vision.
The Pope also reflected on the historical efforts to define America as a beacon of freedom, praising the nation’s attempts to expand the notion of freedom internationally, including its welcoming of immigrants. Notably, he had recently commemorated shipwreck victims and advocated for dignified immigration policies on July 4 in Lampedusa, a major migrant entry point in Italy.
He admitted that creating a society that truly embodies liberty and justice is no small feat and highlighted that this requires courage and remains a “work in progress,” as each generation faces new challenges.
Pope Leo emphasized the fundamental right to life, stating, “No one deprived of their life can enjoy liberty or pursue happiness.” He called for laws that recognize and protect this gift from conception to natural death, highlighting that the moral greatness of a nation lies in how it values and protects all lives, particularly the vulnerable.
He pointed out that genuine freedom arises from the desire to seek truth and adhere to goodness, even at great personal cost—something familiar to those who shaped the nation. This pursuit, he said, drives individuals toward finding purpose and meaning in life.
In conclusion, the Pope commended America’s tradition of religious freedom for fostering interreligious dialogue and cooperation, which enriches moral and ethical discussions relevant to the nation’s history.
He expressed hope that such unity could cultivate peace and reconciliation worldwide, asserting that the United States, characterized by the spirit and generosity of its people, exemplifies a pursuit of enduring ideals rather than fleeting goals.
In a separate context, former President Donald Trump had criticized the Pope for being “soft on crime and terrible on foreign policy” regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, expressing discontent on social media. The following day, Leo appeared to downplay reports of a rift, asserting that his message aims for peace, not opposition to any administration. “I’m not afraid of the Trump administration,” he clarified, reiterating that his focus remains on the gospel’s call for peace.
Despite their differences, the Pope maintained open communication with the Trump administration and welcomed Secretary of State Marco Rubio for a meeting at the Vatican in May.
