American Pope Leo XIV to Receive Liberty Medal via Remote Broadcast from Rome

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, will receive Philadelphia's Liberty Medal through a remote ceremony from Rome on July 3rd. The Chicago-born pope will spend July 4th on the Italian island of Lampedusa focusing on migrant issues rather than attending U.S. celebrations.

The first American pope will receive Philadelphia’s prestigious Liberty Medal through a virtual ceremony from Rome, choosing to skip the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations this summer.

Pope Leo XIV will participate in the remote award presentation on July 3rd at Independence Mall, while he spends America’s birthday on Lampedusa, a Sicilian island where countless African migrants arrive seeking refuge in Europe.

The National Constitution Center announced Monday that the pontiff is being recognized for “his lifelong work promoting religious liberty and freedom of conscience and expression around the world — ideals enshrined by America’s founders in the First Amendment.”

The annual Liberty Medal recognizes individuals “of courage and conviction” who champion freedom globally. Previous honorees include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and deceased civil rights icon U.S. Rep. John Lewis.

Born Robert F. Prevost in Chicago, Leo completed his education at Villanova University near Philadelphia in 1977 before entering religious life.

Vatican officials confirmed the pope’s extensive travel schedule includes touring Italy and visiting four African countries, but no U.S. trips are planned despite receiving an invitation from President Donald Trump.

Leo continues the work of his predecessor by drawing attention to global migration challenges.

Pope Francis made Lampedusa his inaugural journey beyond Rome following his 2013 papal election, conducting Mass using an altar constructed from wrecked migrant vessels while condemning the “globalization of indifference” — rhetoric that strained relations with Trump’s first presidency.

Francis previously visited Philadelphia during a six-day American tour in 2015.