Pope Leo XIV receives Liberty Medal during 250th anniversary of U.S. independence
Pope Leo XIV received the 2026 Liberty Medal from the National Constitution Center while delivering an acceptance speech during the 250th anniversary of American independence. The Chicago-born pontiff used the occasion to praise the nation's history of welcoming immigrants.
Amalgamated from CBS News (opens in new tab), The Hill (opens in new tab)
Pope Leo XIV was awarded the 2026 Liberty Medal by the National Constitution Center during a ceremony marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. Reports from both CBS News and The Hill identify him as a Chicago-born pontiff, noting that he is the first person of American origin to hold the office of pope.
In his acceptance speech on Friday, Pope Leo XIV addressed the nation’s history and its role in the global community. He specifically praised the tradition of welcoming immigrants, describing it as an integral part of the country's character. The ceremony coincided with the July 4th celebrations for the milestone birthday of the United States.
The Liberty Medal is awarded annually to individuals who demonstrate a commitment to American values and the principles found in the Constitution. The National Constitution Center selects one recipient each year for this recognition. According to both CBS News and The Hill, the Pope used his acceptance speech to connect these historical ideals with contemporary themes of inclusion. His remarks were part of a broader series of events held for the 250th anniversary, which highlighted the nation's evolution over the last two and a half centuries.
Why this matters
The event marks a significant milestone as it combines the first appearance of an American-born pontiff with a major national anniversary. The award highlights the intersection of religious leadership and American civil values during a period of historical reflection.
What's confirmed / what isn't
Both CBS News and The Hill confirm that Pope Leo XIV is a Chicago-born pontiff, that he received the Liberty Medal on July 4, 2026, and that his speech focused on immigration. There are no conflicting reports between the two outlets regarding these facts.
Background
The Liberty Medal is awarded annually by the National Constitution Center to individuals who promote the ideals of the U.S. Constitution. The 250th anniversary of the United States occurs in 2026.