On the eve of America’s birthday, the first American pope takes center stage
The Rev. Paul Galetto has served Pope Benedict XIV in the greater Philadelphia area since his election. He said there was growing enthusiasm for Leo.
In the heart of South Philly, St. “People like to have someone who relates to them better and understands them,” the leader of St. Paul Parish told CNN this week.
So Galetto was delighted to learn that, on the eve of the nation’s 250th birthday, the first American pope would speak live and receive an award less than two miles from his church. It’s a perfect fit for this moment in the United States, he argues.
“I am glad that the committee had the courage to choose Pope Leo for the award, because if anyone wants to talk about freedom, it is him,” Galetto said.
On Friday, Pope Leo formally accepted the Medal of Freedom from the National Constitution Center, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization located across from Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
The Pope spoke to a large multi-religious audience at the centre, in full view of Independence Hall, where the Founding Fathers declared independence from Great Britain 250 years ago.
Pope Leo XIV received the National Constitution Center’s 2026 Medal of Freedom at a special presentation ceremony at the Vatican on April 30, 2026. -From the National Constitution Center
In his acceptance speech broadcast on a giant screen, the pope called for “respect for the views of others and for constant efforts to find common ground to support the cause of peace and reconciliation at home and abroad.”
He praised his country’s history of welcoming newcomers, recalling how the country “opened its doors to successive waves of immigrants, allowing them and their children to do their part in shaping the future of the nation.”
Speaking of the “inherent value of every human life,” the pope emphasized the importance of Christian values in inspiring “laws that recognize and protect this gift from the moment of conception until natural death.”
He concluded his words with the words “God bless America.”
The pope was chosen for his “lifelong work promoting freedom of religion and freedom of conscience and expression around the world.” by centerDedicated to educating the public about the U.S. Constitution and frequently hosting civically focused events, including presidential debates.
The Medal of Freedom honors “individuals and organizations of courage and conviction who strive to secure the blessings of freedom for people around the world.”
Although the Pope is from Chicago, Philadelphia also claims him as an undergraduate graduate of nearby Villanova University.
“It made sense to connect a Philadelphia story, an American story and a global story,” said Vince Stango, interim president and CEO of the National Constitution Center.
“So who better to embody these connections than the first U.S.-born pope?” asked the proud Stango, himself a Villanova graduate.
Stango personally presented the medal to the pope at a special ceremony at the Vatican in April.
Painted wall portrait of the current Pope Leo XIV at St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome on January 25, 2026. It is seen in Paul’s Basilica. -Maria Grazia Picciarella/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images
“I would like to remind you of the words that the nation’s founding fathers signed in the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia 250 years ago.” said Pope Leo.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident that all human beings receive from our Creator fundamental rights that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
“I hope that these values will continue to inspire us all in the United States and around the world, and I hope that together we can work to make these freedoms truly part of the lives of people everywhere,” the Pope continued.
‘Hope’ message
The award does not imply partisanship; medal went to such figures Such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the late Senator John McCain and filmmaker Ken Burns.
But observers are aware of flare-ups between US President Donald Trump and Pope Leo during his first year as pope and during Pope Leo’s second term in office.
“According to me [the pope] “He became a conciliatory figure,” said Michael Moreland, Professor of Law and Religion at Villanova University.
“Despite some controversy here and there, it can certainly be a source of unity and pride, especially for American Catholics, but [also] For Americans, it’s often at a time when there is sometimes national division, Moreland said.
“I hope that the Pope’s message will be a message of hope and that he will be one of global citizens coming together to create a more perfect union, whether it is a more perfect union in the United States or a more perfect union on the global stage,” Stango said ahead of the event.
Galetto, himself a Villanova board member, has known Pope Leo for years when he was known as Robert, or Bob, Prevost.
“One of Bob’s characteristics, which was also Leo’s characteristic, was that he was never afraid to tell the truth,” said Galetto, who will attend the meeting Friday.
“I think there will probably be strong statements (in his speech) and he will give a message of freedom that may attract the reaction of some groups.”
CNN’s Christopher Lamb contributed reporting.
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