Pope Leo urged Americans to uphold the foundational ideals of the Declaration of Independence by praising the nation's history of welcoming immigrants during his first major address to his home country, as reported by The Guardian.
The first US leader of the Roman Catholic church delivered his live speech from the Vatican to the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia while receiving the Center's Liberty Medal.
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He expressed hope that principles of unity, justice, and peace would guide the nation during its 250th anniversary celebrations.
"This historic anniversary presents us with the opportunity to reflect once again on the nation's founding principles in the hope that America will remain ever true to the dream that has earned it the title of land of the free and home of the brave," said Pope Leo.
His remarks served as a latest implicit rebuke to Donald Trump, with whom the pontiff has previously clashed regarding immigration policies and the US-Israeli war in Iran.
The pope is scheduled to mark the anniversary on Saturday with a brief helicopter visit to Lampedusa, a southern Italian island serving as a primary entry point for Mediterranean migrants.
During the upcoming itinerary, the pontiff will visit a local cemetery containing unmarked graves, the Porta d'Europa memorial, and a pier named after his predecessor, Pope Francis.
The visit comes shortly after US Vice-President JD Vance called the Vatican's immigration views troubling following a meeting last year where he extended a White House invitation that the pope has yet to accept.
