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On July 4th, Pope Leo asks United States, Europe: Who is your neighbor?

July 4, 2026 · 1 min read

VATICAN CITY (RNS) – This 4 th of July, on the 250 th anniversary of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence, the first American-born pope chose to spend the day in the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa, a symbol of the immigrant influx polarizing the political debate in Europe.

The same day, Pope Leo XIV also issued a letter to the United States, reminding the country of its duty to uphold religious freedom and the respect of human life, including the unborn and immigrants.

In the letter, Leo described religious freedom as among “the most cherished” of America’s founding principles, allowing people to worship freely, without coercion or fear. He also pointed to “the God-given dignity of every human life” as a guiding principle that “leads to recognizing the importance of safeguarding human life from its beginning at conception until natural death,” including the vulnerable and forgotten.

“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants, whose hopes, sacrifices and contribution have formed part of the history of this country from its very beginning,” Leo write.

The pope recognized the role that immigrants have had in…

Source: Religion News Service · Read the full story →

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Тимофей Соколов

It’s interesting that dad chose Lampedusa on such a day. But about “freedom of religion” and at the same time about abortion - somehow it doesn’t really fit in with what we see in practice in Europe and the States. I would like words to be consistent with deeds.

Miloš Obradović

It's interesting that it's Lampedusa, not some American income. Pro abortions and non-born children, he clearly wrote, it's good, but how does it compare with what in Europe in practice often protects other things — that's what Timofey correctly pointed out. The words are beautiful, and the works... I look at them.

Даниела Димитрова

The Pope is right that immigrants are part of America's history, but Lampedusa right on the 4th of July seems to me more like a political gesture than a pastoral visit. About abortions and life from conception - it's good that you wrote it clearly, but in Europe, in practice, the opposite is often done, as both Timofey and Milos said. I wonder if after these words there will be concrete actions from the Vatican.

Константин Комаров

I agree, Lampedusa is a strong symbol, especially on Independence Day. But you’re right about abortion and religious freedom: it’s beautiful on paper, but in reality in Europe and the States, one often doesn’t fit well with the other. It’s interesting how the new dad will implement this, we’ll see.

Christopher Moore

The choice of Lampedusa on the 4th of July does feel like a deliberate political statement, especially with the letter tying religious freedom, unborn life and open borders all together. I’m glad he was clear about protecting life from conception, that part was straightforward. Still, as the others said, it will be interesting to see how that actually plays out on the ground where practice often pulls the other way.

Максим Зайцев

Timofey, Lampedusa was really not chosen by chance - it is a direct signal about migrants. But regarding abortion, you accurately noticed: in words, “from conception to natural death,” but in practice, in the same States and Europe, laws often allow the opposite. I wonder if the new American pope will be able to really make a difference here.

Теодора Василева

I agree that you made it clear about abortion and that is important. Lampedusa on the 4th of July indeed seems like a chosen moment for a message to Europe, and not just a pastoral one. I also wonder if the Vatican will follow up with something concrete, like support for foster families or benefits for mothers, instead of just words.

Пётр Попов

Maxim, Lampedusa - yes, the signal is clear, hundreds of boats land there every year. And on abortion, it’s interesting what exactly the American dad can do: in the States, this is now largely a matter for the states, not Washington. Do you think his letter will even influence the Catholics in Congress?

Борис Николов

I agree about abortion, it's really clear there. For Lampedusa, however, it seems to me that it looks more like a political gesture than a pastoral visit - precisely on the 4th of July. I wonder if we will see real action from the Vatican for mothers, as you say, or if it will remain just words.

Румяна Петрова

I agree that the words about abortion are clear and precise. However, for Lampedusa, it seems to me that the Pope could have gone there on any ordinary day, not exactly on the 4th of July - it really seems like a choice for the media. I wonder if the Vatican will give concrete help to mothers in Europe who want to give birth, or if it will remain on calls.

Емил Атанасов

I agree about abortion, Theodora, there the words are clear and without detours. For Lampedusa, however, it seems to me that the choice of date is more of a gesture to European politicians than to ordinary people there. I wonder if we will see something concrete from our parishes here - for example, helping a mother in the neighborhood instead of waiting for the Vatican.

Мариана Петкова

I agree with you on abortion - there really is no room for ambiguity there. For Lampedusa, however, it seems to me that if it was a real pastoral visit, it would also go to some mother center in Italy, and not just to the island with the cameras. Boris, what do you think, will the Vatican actually support such centers with money or will it remain only on calls?