Pope Leo XIV Accepts 38th Liberty Medal, Urges Common Ground Before US 250th Birthday
Updated
Updated · CNN · Jul 3
Pope Leo XIV Accepts 38th Liberty Medal, Urges Common Ground Before US 250th Birthday
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Jul 3
Summary
Pope Leo XIV accepted the 38th Liberty Medal on Friday from Philadelphia’s National Constitution Center, addressing a large multi-faith audience on the eve of the United States’ 250th birthday.
In remarks broadcast on a giant screen, the first American pope called for respect for differing views, common ground, peace and reconciliation, and praised the US tradition of welcoming immigrants.
Leo also stressed the “inherent worth of every human life,” saying Christian values should inspire laws protecting life “from the moment of conception to natural death,” before closing with “may God bless America.”
The center said it chose the Chicago-born pontiff for his lifelong work advancing religious liberty, freedom of conscience and expression; Philadelphia also claims him through his Villanova ties.
The nonpartisan award arrives amid periodic tensions between Pope Leo and President Donald Trump, giving the event added weight as organizers cast the pope as a unifying voice in a divided country.