Pope Leo delivered remarks to the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia upon receiving the Liberty Medal, emphasizing that the United States earned its reputation as a beacon of freedom through its historical openness to migrants. In his address, the pontiff called on Americans to uphold founding principles of unity, justice, and peace as the nation marked its 250th anniversary.
The pope’s remarks followed a symbolic visit to Lampedusa, an Italian island that serves as a primary entry point for people crossing the Mediterranean from North Africa. Leo arrived by helicopter early Saturday and met with newly arrived migrants, Italian coastguard officials, and aid workers. He told those gathered that the papacy “continues to accompany you, support you and encourage you.” The pontiff appealed to European leaders to address migration comprehensively, combining immediate humanitarian relief with long-term strategic planning for receiving and integrating migrants. He also urged leaders to strengthen conditions in migrants’ home countries to reduce displacement.
Leo’s visit to Lampedusa and his statements on migration represent ongoing tensions between the Vatican and the Trump administration over immigration policy. In November, the pope called for reflection on detention practices in the US. Relations deteriorated further following the pontiff’s strong condemnation of the US-Israeli military action in Iran. Vice President JD Vance recently described Vatican immigration positions as “troubling.” The pope has not accepted Trump’s invitation to visit the White House, made during a Vatican meeting in May.
Vatican observers characterized Leo’s Lampedusa visit as carrying political significance. One Vatican journalist noted the trip reaffirmed the dignity of migrants while sending a message opposing anti-immigrant policies and parties. The island, home to approximately 6,000 residents and located closer to Tunisia than mainland Italy, has processed more than 182,000 migrants through its reception center in recent years. International migration organizations have documented thousands of deaths in Mediterranean crossings since 2014, with nearly 1,000 additional fatalities or disappearances recorded between January and early April alone.
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