PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Faith leaders and dignitaries gathered at the National Constitution Center Friday morning, where Pope Leo XIV accepted the Liberty Medal in a live video address from the Vatican. This year’s ceremony was moved indoors because of the extreme heat and was open to invited guests only.
Technically, Pope Leo already has his Liberty Medal. Interim National Constitution Center President Vince Stango gave it to him three months ago.
“We had an opportunity, a small delegation, to go to the Vatican back in April and physically present him the medal. He was clearly very honored and humbled,” he said.
The Liberty Medal is presented each year to someone who promotes liberty across the world.
“As a U.S.-born pope, [he] understands the magnitude of the moment, of the commemoration of the 250th, and just spoke beautifully about the connection between the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and human rights across the world,” Stango said.
On the eve of our nation’s 250th anniversary, the pontiff formally accepted the 38th Liberty Medal through a livestream from the Vatican, which was displayed on a screen mounted on a wall inscribed with the words of the First Amendment, guaranteeing freedom of religion.
The Pope called for a recommitment to the ideals that made America a country that values peace and prosperity.
“Today, as we look to the future, this historic anniversary presents us with the opportunity to reflect once again on the nation’s founding principles and 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,’” Pope Leo said.
The National Constitution Center ceremony was moved indoors because of the extreme heat
The National Constitution Center ceremony was moved indoors because of the extreme heat
