Pope Leo to Receive Liberty Medal Virtually for U.S. 250th Anniversary

The first U.S.-born pontiff will appear on video screens at the National Constitution Center ceremony.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 6:08pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff, will virtually receive the Liberty Medal from the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on the eve of the Fourth of July. The ceremony will honor the Pope's lifelong work promoting religious liberty and freedom of conscience and expression around the world.

Why it matters

The award ceremony at the National Constitution Center, facing Independence Hall, symbolizes the alignment between the Pope's values and the ideals enshrined in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. As the first American pope, Pope Leo XIV's virtual appearance reflects his distinctive perspective shaped by democratic ideals and interfaith dialogue.

The details

Pope Leo XIV declined an invitation from President Donald Trump to visit the U.S. for the 250th anniversary of American independence. However, the pontiff will appear virtually on video screens at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia to accept the center's annual Liberty Medal. The ceremony will feature the Pope's live acceptance remarks from the Vatican, which will also be livestreamed on the center's website.

  • The Liberty Medal ceremony will take place on the eve of the Fourth of July, 2026.
  • Pope Leo XIV last appeared virtually in the U.S. in August 2025, speaking to 16,000 American high school students at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis.
  • Pope Leo XIV also appeared via video from the Vatican to 30,000 people at the home of his beloved Chicago White Sox.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The first U.S.-born pontiff who has made interfaith and ecumenical dialogue a defining priority of his pontificate, engaging leaders from Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and other religious communities to promote mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

National Constitution Center

A museum in Philadelphia that is bestowing its annual Liberty Medal on Pope Leo XIV for his lifelong work promoting religious liberty and freedom of conscience and expression around the world.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who invited Pope Leo XIV to visit the U.S. for the 250th anniversary of American independence, but the pontiff declined the invitation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The ceremony at the National Constitution Center will be held on the eve of the Fourth of July, 2026, when Pope Leo XIV will virtually receive the Liberty Medal.

The takeaway

As the first U.S.-born pontiff, Pope Leo XIV's virtual appearance at the Liberty Medal ceremony symbolizes the alignment between his values and the ideals of religious liberty and freedom of expression enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. His lifelong commitment to interfaith dialogue and promoting the dignity of marginalized communities reflects a distinctive perspective shaped by democratic principles.