Pope Leo XIV, the first American‑born pontiff, will take part virtually in the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations — having previously declined an invitation from the Trump administration to attend Fourth of July events in person.
The 70-year-old is scheduled to receive the 38th annual Liberty Medal from the National Constitution Center on July 3, and will deliver virtual remarks to a crowd outside the center on Independence Mall in Philadelphia, the nonprofit announced Monday. Created in 1988 and hosted by the National Constitution Center since 2006, the Liberty Medal 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 like Muhammad Ali and Ken Burns.
