Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, is set to make a virtual appearance for the United States' 250th birthday celebrations, having declined an invitation from the Trump administration to attend Fourth of July events in person. The 70-year-old pontiff will receive the 38th annual Liberty Medal from the National Constitution Center on July 3 and deliver virtual remarks to a crowd outside the center on Independence Mall in Philadelphia, as announced by the nonprofit organization on Monday.
Prestigious Honor and Past Recipients
The Liberty Medal, created in 1988 and hosted by the National Constitution Center since 2006, honors individuals and organizations whose courage and conviction advance freedom worldwide. Past recipients include U.S. presidents, Supreme Court justices, world leaders, lawmakers, and cultural figures such as Muhammad Ali and Ken Burns, underscoring the medal's significance in recognizing global contributions to liberty.
Alternative Plans on Lampedusa
Despite the prestigious honor and invitations from President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, the Vatican confirmed that Pope Leo XIV will not visit the U.S. this year. Instead, he will spend July 4 on Lampedusa, a Mediterranean island that serves as a destination on one of the world's deadliest migration routes, according to a Reuters report. This visit follows the late Pope Francis's 2013 trip to the same island, highlighting a continued papal focus on migration issues.
Immigration Comments and Pushback
Pope Leo XIV has previously called for "deep reflection" about the treatment of detained migrants under the Trump administration, as reported by PBS, stating that "many people who have lived for years and years and years, never causing problems, have been deeply affected by what is going on right now." In November, he criticized the "extremely disrespectful" treatment of migrants in the U.S., emphasizing the need for humane approaches.
The Chicago-born pontiff has faced pushback from the Trump administration over his comments on immigration. In remarks cited by NPR, he said, "We have to look for ways of treating people humanely, treating people with the dignity that they have. If people are in the United States illegally, there are ways to treat that. There are courts. There's a system of justice." He added, "No one has said that the United States should have open borders," clarifying his stance on border policies.
Administration Criticism and Defense
Last month, Tom Homan, Trump's top immigration official, criticized Pope Leo XIV for questioning U.S. immigration policy, suggesting the Church should address its own issues first. Homan defended border enforcement, claiming it "saves lives," and argued that Vatican City has stricter penalties for unauthorized entry. "Bottom line is, if we jump the wall of the Vatican, the penalties for doing that are much harder than ones here in United States," Homan stated, drawing a comparison between border security measures.
The Independent has contacted the White House for comment on the matter, as tensions between the Vatican and the Trump administration continue over immigration discourse. Pope Leo XIV's virtual participation in the U.S. 250th anniversary celebrations, coupled with his physical presence on Lampedusa, underscores his dual focus on honoring American heritage while advocating for migrant rights on a global stage.
