On July 3, 2026, in a ceremony that resonated far beyond the borders of Philadelphia, Pope Leo XIV was awarded the 38th annual  Liberty Medal . The honor, bestowed by the  National Constitution Center , comes at a moment of great historical significance: the eve of the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence.

The event, notable for its interfaith and civic nature, underscores the Pope’s work in promoting freedom of conscience, the right to free expression, and the defense of human dignity. Although the award ceremony took place on  Independence Mall  —the iconic site where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were drafted—the Pope participated via a live message from Vatican City.

A message of unity and hope

Wearing the medal around his neck, visible through the television broadcast, Leo XIV greeted those present not only as a spiritual leader, but also as someone who maintains a personal connection with the country’s history. “I greet you all as a son of this great country founded by brave men and women who dreamed of freedom and a better life for themselves and their children,” he stated during his speech.

The Pope used the occasion to issue a call for unity, justice, and peace. In a speech that sought to transcend political divisions, he asked the audience and the citizens to be guided by the ideals that gave rise to the nation, urging that public discourse always be marked by “moderation and respect for others.”

A historic milestone

The selection of Leo XIV for this award—which in previous years has been bestowed upon figures such as Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, and Kofi Annan—marks a milestone. It is the first time a Pope has received this recognition, which, according to the organizers, reflects the growing recognition of religious freedom as a fundamental pillar of human dignity and modern democratic life.

The awarding of the medal to a Pope with deep American roots, who has been recognized for his pastoral work and his global commitment to interreligious dialogue, concludes a day marked by reflection on how constitutional values ​​can and should continue to resonate in the face of the contemporary challenges of the 21st century. The Pope concluded his remarks by asking for “God’s blessing on the future of America,” leaving a message of hope as the country prepares to celebrate its quarter-century milestone.