Pope Leo XIV called for national unity, peace, and respect for human dignity on Friday at a high-profile America’s 250th anniversary event, months after a public clash with President Donald Trump over war and diplomacy.
Liberty Medal Speech
The American-born pope accepted the National Constitution Center’s 2026 Liberty Medal via livestream, marking the milestone anniversary. He urged “solemn recommitment” to ideals that made America “a country that values peace and prosperity.”
Leo said he joined attendees “in asking God’s blessings upon America’s future, that the lofty ideals enshrined at the beginning of the Declaration of Independence may continue to guide the flourishing of the nation in unity, justice, and peace.” He added that realizing those ideals “was not always easy and in many respects is still a work in progress.”
“May God bless America,” Leo said, closing his remarks.
The Liberty Medal is awarded annually to individuals who “strive to secure the blessings of liberty for people around the globe,” according to the National Constitution Center.
Pope and Trump Friction
The appearance follows friction between Leo and Trump over the U.S. military operation against Iran earlier this year, after which Trump called the pope “weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy.” In April, Leo told reporters the dispute had been overstated, saying debating Trump “is not my interest at all.”
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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