Pope Leo XIV will be recognized with the Medal of Freedom in Pennsylvania

New York.- Pope Leo XIV will receive the Medal of Freedom awarded by the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, at a public ceremony on July 3, the eve of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States. The award recognizes his work in promoting religious freedom and freedom of conscience and expression around the world, “ideals enshrined by the founders of the United States in the First Amendment to the Constitution,” notes a statement from the Center, which has also previously recognized the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.

Also recognized are United States Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, between 1933 and 2020, Senator John McCain, between 1936 and 2018, Congressman John Lewis, between 1940 and 2020, the Dalai Lama, and activist Malala Yousafzai.

Also, filmmaker Ken Burns, journalist Judy Woodruff, lawyer David Rubeinstei, the musical ‘Hamilton’ and writer Ron Chernow. The Pontiff will give his acceptance speech for the award from the Vatican.

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http://efe.com/mundo/2026-03-12/papa-leon-xiv-nombra-limosnero-espanol-luis-marin/embed/#?secret=7zoSM0YLKx#?secret=HqfQ0CJQ3bThe award ceremony for Pope Leo XIV

According to the statement, the ceremony, which will take place in front of the Center with Independence Hall in the background, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed, will reflect on the enduring meaning of freedom at a historic moment of national reflection and will highlight the central role of Philadelphia, both in the founding of the nation and in its current civic life.

While the event will bring together civic, religious, and citizen leaders to reflect on “how the foundational ideals of the nation, articulated 250 years ago, continue to resonate in the current global context”.

Robert Francis Prevost, from Chicago, was elected as the supreme leader of the Catholic Church on May 8, 2025, becoming the first American pope, after which he chose the name Leo XIV. “The Holy Father deeply thanks the National Constitution Center for this prestigious award, on such a significant anniversary for the American people, who are called to reflect on the 250 years of their history, in which the United States Constitution and freedom are hallmarks of their heritage for future generations,” said the director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, in a joint statement.

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The Medal of Freedom was established in 1988 to commemorate the bicentennial of the United States Constitution.
Awarded annually, it honors individuals and organizations that strive to ensure the benefits of freedom to people around the world.