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The Pope Leo XIV sent an official letter to all Americans on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, in which he congratulated his homeland and made a clear call to protect immigrants, in a message laden with political implications regarding the immigration measures of the Trump administration.
The document, dated June 25, 2026, and published by the Press Office of the Holy See on Saturday, July 4, marks the first message from a Pontiff born on American soil for the anniversary of that country's independence.
"I extend my sincerest congratulations to all Americans on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence," the Pope wrote at the beginning of the letter.
The Pontiff described this semi-centenary as an invitation not only to celebrate "the remarkable journey of the nation," but also to reflect on the responsibilities that citizens have toward one another and with future generations.
"Faith – far from opposing the responsibilities of citizenship – brings new vigor to the pursuit of justice, peace, and the common good," he wrote.
Among the principles that León XIV emphasized was the defense of human life, which he directly extended to the issue of migration: "Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting, and assisting immigrants, whose hopes, sacrifices, and contributions have been part of the history of this country since its very beginnings."
The Pope went further by pointing out that migrants who have arrived in search of freedom and opportunities "have helped to shape the character of the nation," and that welcoming them "with compassion and generosity is not only an act of charity but also a recognition of the dignity that belongs to every human being."
In the letter, León XIV also emphasized religious freedom as one of the pillars of the American promise, safeguarding both individual dignity and the peaceful coexistence of a diverse people.
"This very freedom has allowed the Catholic Church to take root and flourish in the United States, benefiting not only its own members but the entire nation," he stated.
Finally, he/she called for unity and shared responsibility to face the challenges that life presents today.
“May this milestone renew the shared commitment to the promise of freedom, justice, opportunity, and democracy. May Americans honor the courage and vision of those who came before them by strengthening their communities, respecting their differences, and working together towards a more perfect union,” he concluded.
A day earlier, on July 3, León XIV had received the Liberty Medal 2026 from the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia via videoconference from the Vatican, in recognition of his efforts in support of religious freedom and freedom of conscience.
In accepting the award, the Pontiff stated: "As a son of this great nation, founded by brave men and women who dreamed of freedom and a better life for themselves and their children, I join you in asking for God's blessing upon the future of the United States."
On the same July 4th, instead of attending the celebrations in Washington—where he had been invited by Vice President JD Vance— the Pope traveled to the Italian island of Lampedusa to pay tribute to the migrants who had died in the Central Mediterranean. There, he held a mass, prayed in the migrants' cemetery, and blessed a plaque dedicated to Pope Francis at Favaloro Dock.
The choice of Lampedusa as a destination on Independence Day was widely interpreted as a gesture of distance from the White House, in the context of tensions between the Vatican and the Trump administration over the immigration policies that have deteriorated diplomatic relations between the two sides since the beginning of the papacy.
According to Vatican sources cited by the American outlet The Free Press, it is very likely that León XIV will never visit the United States while Trump remains in the White House.
The Pope closed his letter with a wish that encapsulates the tone of the message: "May the spirit of 1776 continue to inspire hope and unity as the United States of America moves toward the future."
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