Pope Leo to Receive Liberty Medal for Promoting Religious Liberty, Human Dignity

The National Constitution Center will honor the pontiff for his efforts to advance freedom of religion and expression.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:33pm

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As the U.S. marks its 250th anniversary, Pope Leo XIV will be awarded the Liberty Medal by the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia for his work promoting religious liberty, freedom of expression, and human dignity. The pope will deliver live acceptance remarks from the Vatican, which will be livestreamed to attendees and online.

Why it matters

The Liberty Medal is a prestigious award that honors individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to securing liberty and human rights around the world. Pope Leo's recognition reflects his commitment to interfaith dialogue, protecting the rights of religious minorities, and upholding democratic ideals - values that are central to the American constitutional tradition.

The details

The National Constitution Center, a nonprofit that promotes civic education, will bestow the Liberty Medal on Pope Leo on July 3 during a public ceremony in Philadelphia's Independence National Historical Park. The pope is the second religious leader to receive the award, following the 14th Dalai Lama in 2015. Other past recipients include President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and human rights advocate Malala Yousafzai.

  • The Liberty Medal ceremony will take place on July 3, 2026.
  • Pope Leo XIV was elected to the papacy in May 2025.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The current pope, who has made interfaith dialogue and the promotion of religious liberty and human dignity key priorities of his pontificate.

National Constitution Center

A private nonprofit organization that promotes constitutional education and civic debate, and has awarded the Liberty Medal since 1988.

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What they’re saying

“In formal Vatican statements and public addresses, His Holiness has affirmed that peace cannot exist without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, and freedom of expression, principles that closely align with constitutional protections guaranteed by the First Amendment.”

— Vince Stango, Interim President and CEO, National Constitution Center (OSV News)

“His outreach reflects a broader moral vision that frames religious liberty not as an abstract right, but as a lived expression of human dignity, particularly for marginalized communities, including religious minorities and those affected by conflict.”

— Vince Stango, Interim President and CEO, National Constitution Center (OSV News)

“As the first American pope, Pope Leo XIV brings a distinctive perspective shaped by democratic ideals and a lifelong commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue.”

— Vince Stango, Interim President and CEO, National Constitution Center (OSV News)

What’s next

The National Constitution Center has confirmed that the Liberty Medal traditionally includes a $100,000 prize, but the Holy See has not yet indicated how the funds may be used. Any decisions regarding the prize will be made by the Vatican.

The takeaway

Pope Leo XIV's recognition with the Liberty Medal underscores his leadership in advancing religious liberty, freedom of expression, and human dignity - values that are central to the American constitutional tradition and the ideals of the Founding Fathers. His efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and protect the rights of marginalized communities have earned him global respect and this prestigious honor.