In a direct affront to President Donald Trump, [the US-based National Constitution Center announced today](vaticannews.va/en/pope-united-states-liberty-medal-religious-freedom-constitution.html) that it would award Pope Leo XIV with the 38th annual Liberty Medal on July 3, 2026 in an award ceremony on Independence Mall in Philadelphia. “The award recognizes the Holy Father’s lifelong work promoting religious liberty and freedom of conscience and expression around the world,” the NCC statement said, “ideals enshrined by America’s founders in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.”
The Pope intends to deliver live acceptance remarks virtually from the Vatican through a livestream. The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, said the Pope “is deeply grateful to the National Constitution Center 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 Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and Liberty as hallmarks of their heritage for future generations.”
