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Pope Leo urges America to remain faithful to its ideals of freedom and unity

July 3, 2026 · 1 min read

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff in history, praised the United States for its longstanding tradition of welcoming immigrants and called on his fellow Americans to remain faithful to the ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence.

In his first major address directed specifically to the United States, broadcast live from the Vatican to the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, the Pope reflected on the values that have shaped the nation and expressed hope that they would continue to guide its future as the country prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its independence.

Leo XIV said that “America” has become synonymous with freedom throughout the world, largely because of its historic openness to immigrants seeking new opportunities and a better life. He emphasized the enduring importance of the principles of unity, justice, and peace championed by the nation’s founders.

The address was delivered on the occasion of the presentation of the Liberty Medal to the pontiff. Referring to the upcoming anniversary of American independence, Pope Leo said the milestone offers an opportunity to reflect anew on the nation’s founding principles.

“This…

Source: Orthodox Times · Read the full story →

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Alexander Turner

Interesting he chose Philadelphia for the broadcast. We drive past that Constitution Center all the time on the way to the airport, so it's a bit surreal hearing the Pope talk there.

Andreea Matei

Like Alexander, we pass by the Constitution Center on the way to the airport, but at our church, for the 25th anniversary, we made a lunch with polenta and sarmales, without thinking about the medals. What do you think, can we also stick to the principles from the beginning without so much pomace?

Peter Adams

Yep, I drive past Kingsford Smith on the way to the airport too—always notice that old brick building near the exit ramp. You’re right, hearing the Pope there feels odd when you’re just heading to a flight.

Sarah Johnson

I was at St. Nicholas Cathedral there last year for the feast of St. John of Damascus—never expected to hear papal news from that same city!

Георгий Новиков

We also pass by the church at the Rostov station every time when we go to the airport. Like you have in Philadelphia, and here we now have a cafe on the site of an old station stand - everything is just like in life.

Φωτεινή Σταθοπούλου

I too passed by the Constitution Center last year when my daughter and I went to Pennsylvania. I heard it and thought that the Pope is talking about immigrants and freedom, but here in Cyprus we see every day what happens when there is no order. The question is whether these ideals remain only in words or become action.

Григорий Зайцев

We also pass the old church at the station every time we go to Sheremetyevo, and now instead of a kiosk there is a coffee shop. The Pope speaks well about freedom and immigrants, but we can also see how to preserve this without order. It’s interesting that it was in Philadelphia that he decided to speak.

Ζωή Λαμπροπούλου

I also passed by the Constitution Center last year with my girlfriend who lives in Cherry Hill when we went shopping. The Pope speaks beautifully about immigrants and freedom, but as Fotini also says, without order, nothing holds - we see it here on the islands as well. Interesting that he chose exactly Philadelphia.

Христо Василев

Interestingly, he specifically chose Philadelphia and the Constitution Center for his first address. We in Ruse pass by the old electrical substation every Sunday on our way to church, and I think that freedom and order go together, otherwise it falls apart. What will this "new" America look like 250 years from now?

Христо Христов

Interesting that he chose Philadelphia and the Constitution Center. We in Sofia pass by the old Pirotska building every Saturday on our way to basketball, and I think that freedom without order and justice quickly turns into a mess. What does he think this "new" America will look like after the year 250?

Иван Стоянов

Interesting that he chose Philadelphia and the Constitution Center. We in Veliko Tarnovo pass by the old station building every week on our way to church, and I think that freedom and order really go together, otherwise everything falls apart. What will this "new" America look like in 250 years?

Photini Taylor

That’s neat you were at St. Nicholas last year. I’ve only been to Philly once, for a nursing conference, and the Liberty Medal thing makes me wonder if the Pope picked Philadelphia on purpose because of all the founding history there. Did the cathedral feel extra packed for St. John of Damascus?

Красимира Георгиева

Christ, that's right - freedom without order really disintegrates, we see it here in Ruse on the streets. The choice of Philadelphia seems smart to me, the Declaration was signed there, and the center is also a symbol of the foundations. I wonder what they will say in 250 years, whether they will remember the faith of the first settlers.

Светлана Киселёва

Yes, the Declaration was being signed in Philadelphia, so I chose the exact place. And as for order and freedom - in Voronezh, after the renovation of the church, they also opened a coffee shop nearby, people grumbled at first, and then got used to it, as long as they didn’t go into the church itself with a latte. What kind of “order” do you think the Pope was referring to?

Αντώνης Οικονόμου

I too passed by the Constitution Center years ago when my wife and I went on a trip to Philadelphia. You are right about order, Zoe – without it freedom becomes chaos, as we see on our islands. Interesting that he picked that exact spot, huh?

Νίκη Χατζή

I too remember my husband and I going to the Constitution Center years ago when we took our daughter to America for the first time. You are right about order, Zoe, otherwise everything becomes a mess like we see on our islands. Interesting that he chose this place, yes.

Γιώργος Μακρής

Well said Niki, I also remember when my wife and I went to the Constitution Center in 2012, before our daughter's wedding. This place shows how much they value class and history, something our islands have been missing lately. What did you think of the Pope's speech?