Pope Leo delivered remarks on the nation’s founding principles during a ceremony at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, where he received the Liberty Medal. Speaking from the Vatican, the pontiff emphasized that the United States has earned its reputation as a beacon of freedom through its historical commitment to accepting migrants. He encouraged the country to remain true to the ideals articulated in the Declaration of Independence, specifically citing values of unity, justice, and peace.
The pope’s remarks came as part of observances marking the US’s 250th anniversary. On the same day, Leo traveled to Lampedusa, a southern Italian island that serves as a primary entry point for migrants crossing the Mediterranean from North Africa. The visit included meetings with newly arrived migrants, Italian coastguard personnel, and humanitarian organizations operating in the region. Leo called on European leaders to address migration comprehensively, combining immediate assistance with long-term strategic planning for receiving and integrating migrants, while also supporting improvements in conditions in migrants’ origin countries.
The pope’s public focus on migration reflects ongoing tensions with the Trump administration over immigration enforcement. Leo previously called for reflection on detention practices and condemned US-Israeli military actions. Vice President JD Vance responded to the Vatican’s immigration stance by characterizing it as troubling. Leo has not yet accepted an invitation to visit the White House, and the US is not included in his 2026 overseas itinerary.
Lampedusa, located closer to Tunisia than mainland Italy, has processed more than 182,000 people through its reception center in the past three years, according to Vatican News. The International Organization for Migration has documented tens of thousands of deaths among those attempting the Mediterranean crossing since 2014, with nearly 1,000 deaths or disappearances recorded between January and early April. Vatican journalists and correspondents interpreted Leo’s visit as a symbolic statement affirming the dignity of migrants and criticizing both immigration enforcement policies and anti-immigrant political movements in Europe and the United States.
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