Pope Leo XIV will be awarded the Medal of Freedom on July 3 in Philadelphia, as part of the commemorative events for the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States, according to EWTN News. The Pontiff will intervene through a live broadcast message, as he is scheduled to spend July 4 on the Italian island of Lampedusa, one of the main points of arrival for migrants to Europe.
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Recognition for his defense of religious freedom
The National Constitution Center (NCC), the entity that awards the prize, has stated that the recognition is granted for the Pope’s commitment to religious freedom, freedom of conscience, and freedom of expression at the international level.
The event will take place at Independence Mall, a historic space located next to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.
From the organization, they highlight that the choice of the Pontiff responds to his trajectory in the promotion of these principles, in a particularly significant context due to the national anniversary; moreover, he was the main candidate from the beginning of the selection process.
Participation of religious leaders
According to the organization, the event will include the participation of representatives from different religious confessions, with the aim of «fostering interreligious dialogue and addressing the issue of religious freedom in the American context.»
The Archbishop of Philadelphia, Nelson J. Pérez, has stated that the awarding of the award recognizes the Pontiff’s trajectory in promoting human dignity and attention to various groups.
The first Pope to receive the award
This award has been granted since 1988 to personalities who have contributed to the promotion of freedom on a global level. Among the recipients are Ukrainian President Volodímir Zelenski, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Senator John McCain, documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, and soccer player Lionel Messi.
Until now, no Pope is known to have received the Medal of Freedom, making Leo XIV the first to receive this award. It is also not common for the prize to be awarded to strictly religious figures, as most recognitions have gone to political leaders, jurists, or personalities from the cultural sphere.