Pope Leo to Accept Liberty Medal Remotely from Rome

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Pope Leo XIV will accept the Liberty Medal in Philadelphia on the eve of July 4 in a remote broadcast from Rome, but will not travel to the U.S. during its 250th birthday celebrations this year. The National Constitution Center is honoring the pope for his 'lifelong work promoting religious liberty and freedom of conscience and expression around the world — ideals enshrined by America's founders in the First Amendment.'

Why it matters

Pope Leo's acceptance of the Liberty Medal remotely highlights his commitment to global religious freedom and human rights, even as he avoids traveling to the U.S. during a politically divisive time. His decision to spend the Fourth of July on the migrant-arrival island of Lampedusa also underscores his focus on the plight of displaced people worldwide.

The details

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, was born Robert F. Prevost and raised in Chicago. He will accept the Liberty Medal, awarded annually to someone 'of courage and conviction' who promotes liberty, during a remote broadcast from Rome on July 3. The pope has a busy travel schedule planned for 2026, including a grand tour of Italy and trips to four African nations, but has declined an invitation to visit the U.S. this year.

• Pope Leo XIV will accept the Liberty Medal on July 3, 2026, the eve of the U.S.'s 250th birthday.
• The pope will spend the Fourth of July, 2026, on the Sicilian island of Lampedusa.

What’s next

The National Constitution Center will host the Liberty Medal ceremony on Independence Mall in Philadelphia on July 3, 2026, where Pope Leo XIV will accept the award remotely from Rome.