Pope Leo XIV at the 250th anniversary of Independence: Immigrants helped build the United States, message also for Trump

During the ceremony held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, Pope Leo XIV called on the United States to remain faithful to the ideals on which it was founded. On this occasion, he received the Medal of Freedom.

In his speech, the Holy Father described American history as that of a country that has embodied freedom and been a source of hope for millions of immigrants from around the world.

“Over the past 250 years, America has represented for many people the ideal of freedom, opening its doors to generations of immigrants who have contributed to the building and development of the country,” the Pope said, in a statement that was also perceived as a jab at President Trump.

Pope Leo XIV also recalled the U.S. commitment in the two world wars, underscoring that the country, through great sacrifices, defended the cause of freedom beyond its own borders as well.

As he accepted the medal, the Pope, who was born in the United States, expressed gratitude for his country of birth and wished that the values proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence would continue to guide the nation toward unity, justice, and peace.

“As a son of this great nation, I join you in prayer that God may bless America’s future and that its ideals may continue to inspire future generations,” he said, before closing his remarks with the call: “God bless America!”

He stressed that building a society founded on freedom and justice has never been an easy path and that this remains a test that every generation must face.

According to the Pope, the 250th anniversary of independence is an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s founding principles and to ensure that America remains “the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

At the end of his speech, Pope Leo XIV focused on the protection of human life, emphasizing that the right to life is the basis of all other freedoms.

He stated that the value of a society is measured by how it cares for the most defenseless and called for laws to ensure the protection of human life “from the moment of conception until natural death.”

According to him, the moral greatness of a nation is determined not only by power or prosperity, but above all by its ability to protect and uphold the dignity of every person, especially those who are most vulnerable.