Pope Leo XIV Calls for Immigrant Welcome at US 250Th Celebration

WHO:

CBS News US - Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV is the first American pontiff.

Fox News - Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, is involved in the event.

CBS News US - Pope Leo XIV is recognized for his contributions during America's 250th birthday celebration.

DW.com - President Donald Trump is mentioned as a critic of Pope Leo XIV's views.

WHAT:

DW.com - Pope Leo XIV stated, "The word 'America' is a byword for freedom" globally due to the country's immigration history.

DW.com - Pope Leo XIV emphasized that "the moral greatness of a nation is manifested, above all, in its capacity to support, protect and cherish the lives of all, especially the most vulnerable and those whose worth is questioned."

Fox News - Pope Leo XIV accepted the 2026 Liberty Medal virtually from the Vatican.

CBS News US - The National Constitution Center awarded Pope Leo XIV with a Liberty Medal.

DW.com - Pope Leo XIV stated that "successive waves of immigrants" shaped the United States.

DW.com - Pope Leo XIV emphasized the moral greatness of a nation in his speech, particularly regarding the treatment of vulnerable populations.

WHERE:

Fox News - The event took place virtually from the Vatican.

CBS News US - The speech was delivered at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

DW.com - Pope Leo XIV is set to visit Lampedusa, a global migrant hotspot.

WHEN:

DW.com - The United States will mark its 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026.

DW.com - The US celebrates the day in 1776 when it ratified its Declaration of Independence from Britain.

WHY:

DW.com - Pope Leo XIV's remarks were made to defend the history of the United States as a nation of immigrants while addressing the moral responsibilities of the nation.

DW.com - Pope Leo XIV's remarks were made to defend the history of the United States as a nation of immigrants.

DW.com - The speech aimed to reflect on the nation's founding principles and the hope that America remains true to its identity as "land of the free and home of the brave."

HOW:

Fox News - Pope Leo XIV accepted the Liberty Medal before departing for Lampedusa to urge Europe to accept more migrants.

DW.com - Pope Leo XIV delivered his speech via video from the Vatican.

(UPDATED July 4, 2026 19:20 UTC)

Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV has made history as the first American pontiff. In his recent remarks, he highlighted that "the word 'America' is a byword for freedom" and stressed the importance of a nation's moral greatness in supporting and protecting the most vulnerable. As he accepted the Liberty Medal, Pope Leo XIV announced his upcoming trip to Lampedusa, where he will urge Europe to welcome more migrants.

--

(UPDATED July 4, 2026 17:21 UTC)

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, accepted the Liberty Medal from the National Constitution Center during a virtual event from the Vatican, where he emphasized the importance of immigrants in shaping the United States. In his speech, he highlighted the moral greatness of the nation, particularly in how it treats vulnerable populations, as America prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026. President Trump was mentioned as a critic of Pope Leo XIV's views, which aimed to reflect on the nation's founding principles and the hope that America remains true to its identity as the "land of the free and home of the brave."