Pope Leo XIV to Accept Liberty Medal in Remote Ceremony from Vatican
Pope Leo XIV will receive the prestigious Liberty Medal in a remote broadcast from the Vatican on July 3, as confirmed by the National Constitution Center. The ceremony will take place in Philadelphia, but the pontiff will not travel to the United States during its 250th birthday celebrations this year.
Honouring a Lifetime of Advocacy for Freedom
The National Constitution Center announced on Monday that Pope Leo XIV is being recognised for "his lifelong work promoting religious liberty and freedom of conscience and expression around the world". These ideals are deeply embedded in America's First Amendment, as established by the nation's founders.
The Liberty Medal is awarded annually to individuals who demonstrate courage and conviction in advancing liberty globally. Previous recipients include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and the late civil rights leader U.S. Representative John Lewis.
Pope's Schedule and Focus on Migrant Issues
Instead of attending the July 4 celebrations in the U.S., Pope Leo XIV will spend Independence Day on the Sicilian island of Lampedusa. This location serves as a key arrival point for migrants attempting to reach Europe from Africa, highlighting his continued focus on migrant welfare.
Born Robert F. Prevost in Chicago and a 1977 graduate of Villanova University near Philadelphia, Pope Leo XIV has a packed travel itinerary for the year. This includes an extensive tour of Italy and visits to four African nations. The Vatican has explicitly stated that he will not visit the United States in 2026, despite an invitation from President Donald Trump.
Following in Predecessor's Footsteps
Pope Leo XIV has maintained his predecessor Pope Francis's emphasis on migrant rights. Pope Francis chose Lampedusa for his first trip outside Rome after his 2013 election, where he celebrated Mass on an altar constructed from shipwrecked migrant boats. He famously criticised the "globalization of indifference", a stance that created tensions with the first Trump administration.
Pope Francis also visited Philadelphia during a six-day U.S. tour in 2015, underscoring the historical connection between the papacy and the city. The remote acceptance of the Liberty Medal by Pope Leo XIV continues this legacy while adapting to contemporary circumstances.
