Pope Leo XIV is to be awarded the Liberty Medal by the National Constitution Center in a ceremony marking the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence, organisers have confirmed.
The award will be presented on July 3 at Independence Mall in Philadelphia, with the Pope delivering his acceptance address from the Vatican via live broadcast. The event will form part of wider commemorations taking place across the United States ahead of the anniversary on July 4.
The Liberty Medal is given annually to individuals and organisations recognised for advancing liberty and human rights. In this case, the Center said the award reflects the Pope’s record of promoting religious freedom, freedom of conscience and freedom of expression in his public ministry.
A statement from the Holy See Press Office said the Pope was “deeply grateful” for the recognition, particularly given its connection to a major national anniversary. It added that the occasion invites reflection on the role of liberty in American history and its continuing significance.
The ceremony will take place in front of Independence Hall, the site where both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were adopted. Organisers said the setting was intended to underline the historical roots of the ideals associated with the award while also pointing to their relevance in the present day.
Although the Pope will not be physically present, his address will be transmitted live to those attending in Philadelphia and to a wider global audience online.
Since his election in May 2025, Pope Leo XIV has made engagement with other faiths a visible part of his pontificate. Meetings with Jewish, Muslim and other Christian leaders have featured regularly in his schedule, alongside statements emphasising the importance of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
The National Constitution Center said this emphasis was a key factor in its decision. Its leadership described the Pope as a consistent advocate for fundamental freedoms and argued that his work reflects values comparable to those expressed in the First Amendment of the US Constitution.
The Liberty Medal was established in 1988 to coincide with the bicentenary of the Constitution and has been awarded to a range of public figures. Previous recipients have included political leaders, campaigners and cultural figures whose work has been seen to contribute to the protection or expansion of liberty.
Recent recipients include Volodymyr Zelenskyy, recognised for his leadership during the war in Ukraine, as well as the Catholic activist Jimmy Lai.
The Vatican has not indicated that the award will be accompanied by any further visit or engagement beyond the televised address. However, the Pope’s remarks are expected to focus on themes consistent with his previous statements on freedom, dignity and the role of religion in public life.
