Pope Leo XIV defended the country’s history of immigrants to the United States in an event ahead of the country’s 250th birthday.
On July 4, America will celebrate the day in 1776 when the United States ratified its Declaration of Independence from Britain.
What did Pope Leo say?
Speaking via video from the Vatican at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Leo described how “consecutive waves of immigrants” played a role in the building of the nation. Leo said that because of the way the country has taken in immigrants, the word “America” is “synonymous with freedom” globally.
“This historic anniversary provides us with an opportunity to once again reflect on our nation’s founding principles with the hope that America will always remain true to the dream that has earned it the title of land of the free and home of the brave,” Leo said in reference to the U.S. national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Leo also emphasized the Church’s stance against abortion and euthanasia, saying, “The moral greatness of a nation is manifested, first of all, in its ability to support, protect and preserve the life of all, especially those most vulnerable and those whose value is questioned.”
During the event, Leo was awarded the annual Liberty Medal, which is awarded to an individual of “courage and conviction” who leads the way in the pursuit of freedom.
Trump’s growing feud with ‘weak’ Pope Leo
Leo, now the leader of the world Catholic community, is originally from Chicago, a city that has been heavily targeted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. Leo did not mention Trump in his speech.
However, Leo’s comments come as US President Donald Trump’s administration has stepped up mass deportations of undocumented immigrants and has also suspended other types of legal immigration, such as banning immigrant visas from 75 countries.
Trump has criticized Leo’s views, calling him “weak on crime and terrible on foreign policy.” Trump said he is “not a fan of Pope Leo” and rejected Leo’s views that war with Iran is not “justifiable”.
Meanwhile, Leo has said he is “not afraid of the Trump administration.”
Trump also feuded with Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, over the president’s plans to build a border wall with Mexico during his first term.
However, Trump later praised Francis and called him “a very nice man who loved the world” following Francis’ death in 2025. Trump also attended Francis’ funeral that year.
Edited by: Shawn Sinico
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