On the eve of America’s birthday, the first American pope takes center stage
On the eve of America’s birthday, the first American pope takes center stage
On the eve of America s birthday – As the United States prepares to commemorate its 250th anniversary, the nation’s first pope born in America, Pope Leo XIV, is set to make a significant appearance in Philadelphia. Reverend Paul Galetto, a local parish leader in South Philly, highlighted the growing excitement surrounding the pope’s visit, noting that the community has shown a surge of support for him since his election. “The people love having somebody who better relates to them and understands them,” Galetto shared this week, emphasizing the pope’s ability to connect with everyday citizens.
For Galetto, the timing of the event could not be more fitting. The pope’s decision to accept the Liberty Medal at a ceremony just two miles from his church in South Philadelphia marks a symbolic convergence of personal and national significance. “I’m glad that the committee had the courage to select Pope Leo for the award, because if there’s anybody that wants to speak about freedom, it is he,” Galetto remarked, underscoring the importance of the occasion for both the city and the country. The National Constitution Center, a non-partisan non-profit organization, will host the event, located just across from Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.
A tribute to liberty’s enduring legacy
The Liberty Medal, awarded by the National Constitution Center, recognizes individuals and groups who demonstrate courage and conviction in their efforts to secure liberty for people worldwide. This year’s selection of Pope Leo XIV is rooted in his lifelong dedication to advocating for religious freedom and the expression of conscience across the globe. “The pope’s work in promoting these values is both profound and timely,” said Vince Stango, the interim president and CEO of the center. “It made sense to connect a Philadelphia story, an American story, and a global story.” Stango, who is also a proud graduate of Villanova University, added that the pope’s presence in the city aligns with his roots as an undergraduate alumnus of the nearby institution.
Stango’s perspective is echoed by those who view the event as a natural continuation of the United States’ historical commitment to freedom. “It’s a moment that bridges the past and present, highlighting how the principles of liberty have evolved yet remain central to our identity,” he explained. The medal itself carries a legacy of honoring figures like Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the late Senator John McCain, and filmmaker Ken Burns, all of whom have made notable contributions to the cause of liberty.
Pope’s words echo the nation’s founding ideals
At a private ceremony in the Vatican earlier this year, Stango personally presented the Liberty Medal to Pope Leo XIV, an event that underscored the deepening ties between the pope and the city. During his remarks, the pope invoked the words of the Founding Fathers, recalling the Declaration of Independence signed in Philadelphia two and a half centuries ago. “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men have received fundamental rights from our creator,” he said. “And they include life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” This reference to the document’s timeless message reinforces the pope’s message of unity and shared values.
“May those values continue to inspire all of us in the United States and throughout the world, and together, hopefully, we can all work that those freedoms will indeed be a part of the lives of all people everywhere,” the pope continued.
The ceremony on Friday will not only celebrate the pope’s contributions but also serve as a platform for multi-faith dialogue, with clergy from diverse religious backgrounds in attendance. Galetto, who will be present for the event, has known the pope for years, recalling his early days as Robert, or Bob, Prevost, before his ordination and papacy. “One of the things about Bob – which is also the thing about Leo – was he’s never afraid to say the truth,” Galetto said, hinting at the pope’s unflinching stance on social issues.
Philadelphia’s claim to the pope is not just geographical but also historical. His time as an undergraduate at Villanova University has created a lasting bond with the city, which he often references in speeches and writings. “It’s remarkable how a person’s roots can shape their perspective, especially in a place like Philadelphia, where freedom is both a symbol and a foundation,” said Stango, reflecting on the pope’s dual connection to the city and the nation.
A reflection on unity amid division
Despite the challenges of the past year, including tensions between Pope Leo XIV and former President Donald Trump, the event is framed as a symbol of reconciliation. “I think [the pope] has been a conciliatory figure,” said Michael Moreland, a University Professor of Law and Religion at Villanova. “Notwithstanding some controversies here and there, he can be a source of unity and pride certainly for American Catholics especially, but [also] for Americans generally at a time of sometimes national division.” Moreland’s comments highlight the pope’s role as a unifying voice in a polarized political climate.
As the ceremony approaches, there is anticipation about the pope’s speech, which will be livestreamed for a global audience. “I hope that the pope’s message will be one of hope, and one of global citizens coming together to create that more perfect union, whether it’s a more perfect union in the United States or a more perfect union on the global stage,” Stango said, expressing optimism about the event’s impact. This sentiment aligns with the broader purpose of the National Constitution Center, which aims to educate the public about the Constitution and its enduring influence on civic life.
The Liberty Medal’s non-partisan nature ensures that its recipients are chosen based on their dedication to liberty, regardless of political affiliation. Previous honorees, such as Zelensky, McCain, and Burns, have each embodied this principle in their own way. The pope’s selection reinforces the medal’s mission to honor those who champion freedom in all its forms. “It’s a way to celebrate the intersection of faith, history, and progress,” said Stango, who emphasized the event’s significance for both the city and the world.
As the United States marks its 250th birthday, the pope’s presence in Philadelphia offers a poignant reminder of the nation’s founding ideals. His remarks, which will resonate across the country and beyond, aim to inspire a renewed commitment to liberty and the values that have shaped the United States. “The world is watching, and the message is clear: freedom is not just a concept, but a lived reality,” Galetto added, reflecting on the event’s potential to galvanize public discourse.
