The first American pope, Pope Leo XIV — a Villanova graduate — will be included in the celebrations for America’s 250th birthday, as the National Constitution Center has announced that he will be awarded with the 38th annual Liberty Medal during a public ceremony held on July 3, 2026, outside the Center on Independence Mall in Philadelphia.
In a statement on the upcoming honor, officials with the National Constitution Center said that the award “recognizes The Holy Father’s lifelong work promoting religious liberty and freedom of conscience and expression around the world, ideals enshrined by America’s founders in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.”
However, the pope is not expected to travel to the states to be in person to receive the honor.
Officials said that Pope Leo intends to deliver live acceptance remarks virtually from the Vatican, and his speech will be livestreamed to those in attendance on Independence Mall — and on the center’s website.
In a statement, Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, said that Pope Leo LIV was “deeply grateful” for the upcoming honor.
“The Holy Father is deeply grateful to the National Constitution Centre for this prestigious award, in such a meaningful anniversary for the American People, as they are called to reflect on the 250 years of their history holding the Constitution of the United States and Liberty as hallmarks of their heritage for future generations,” read a statement from Bruni.
For National Constitution Center Interim President and CEO, Vince Stango, the pope is being presented with this honor for his advocacy for religious freedom, freedom from conscience and human dignity.
“At a moment of national reflection marking America’s 250th anniversary, the Liberty Medal invites us to consider how the ideals of freedom are carried forward across generations and around the world. With this, the NCC is honored to award the Liberty Medal to Pope XIV for his career as a consistent advocate for religious liberty, freedom of conscience, and human dignity,” wrote Stango. “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.”
Officials said that, since Pope Leo XIV’s election in May 2025, he 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.”
“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,” officials said. “As the first American pope, Pope Leo XIV brings a distinctive perspective shaped by democratic ideals and a lifelong commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue.”
The special Liberty Medal ceremony, held in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary and semiquincentennial, will be presented in partnership with the City of Philadelphia and Wawa Welcome America as part of the city’s Independence Week events celebrating the semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Villanova University also played a critical role in shaping this year’s Liberty Medal program, officials said.
“From its founding, America has understood liberty of conscience as essential to human freedom and self-government,” said Mike George, chair of the National Constitution Center’s Board of Trustees. “Pope Leo XIV’s moral leadership and his defense of religious freedom and free expression embodies these enduring principles. Honoring him with the Liberty Medal affirms the universal power of these ideals and their relevance far beyond our borders.”
Pope Leo will accept the Liberty Medal via live telecast, and viewers around the globe can watch the full ceremony live, thanks to Comcast NBCUniversal, officials said.
Note: Comcast is the parent company of this station, NBC, Telemundo and NBC Sports.
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