VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo marked America’s 250th birthday with a powerful message Friday, celebrating the United States’ long tradition of opening its doors to immigrants and calling on the nation to honor the principles laid out by its Founding Fathers.
Appearing live via video from the Vatican to an audience at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Leo accepted the Center’s Liberty Medal and delivered what amounted to his first significant public address directed at his home country.
The pope, who holds the distinction of being the first American to lead the Catholic Church, has previously labeled President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies as “inhuman.” On Friday, he expanded on that theme, saying the very name “America” had come to represent freedom around the world largely because of the country’s history of embracing those who came from other lands.
Leo expressed hope that the values championed by the nation’s founders — “unity, justice and peace” — would continue to steer the United States forward as it marks this major milestone.
“This historic anniversary presents us with the opportunity to reflect once again on the nation’s founding principles in the hope that America will remain ever true to the dream that has earned it the title of land of the free and home of the brave,” the pope said.
