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Pope Leo XIV Liberty Medal Ceremony

March 16 – March 17, 2026

The Bottom Line

Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, will receive the Liberty Medal virtually on July 3 during the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations. He declined President Trump's invitation to visit the United States in person, choosing instead to visit a migrant center in Lampedusa, Italy. The ceremony will be livestreamed from Rome to honor his work on religious freedom and human rights.

Key Statements

TThe New York Times

Pope Leo XIV will virtually accept the Liberty Medal on July 3 after declining President Trump's invitation for a physical visit to the U.S. for the nation's 250th anniversary.

Confirms the Pope declined a direct invitation from the President to attend the event in person.

PPBS.org

Pope Leo XIV will accept the Liberty Medal via remote broadcast from Rome on July 3, opting to visit Lampedusa instead of traveling to the U.S.

Explains the specific alternative location the Pope chose to visit instead of the United States.

5 Articles

Pope to appear virtually for 250th anniversary of US independence

The HillCenter

Pope Leo will accept Liberty Medal in remote broadcast from Rome, forgoing U.S. visit

PBS.orgCenter Left

Villanova grad Pope Leo XIV to receive Liberty Medal

AxiosCenter

Pope Leo to receive National Constitution Center's Liberty Medal in July

CBS NewsCenter Left

Pope to Make a (Virtual) Visit for the United States' 250th Birthday

The New York TimesCenter Left

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.