Pope addresses the USA with an appeal in defense of life

The supreme pontiff noted that the “moral greatness” of a nation is manifested, above all, in its ability to “support, protect and value the lives of all, especially those of the most vulnerable and those whose value is questioned”.

In this sense, he defended that respect for life inspires laws that “recognize and protect this gift from conception to natural death.” This was Leo XIV’s first major speech addressed to his country of origin.

According to the pope, the US must make a continuous effort to “find common ground in order to promote the cause of peace and reconciliation, both at home and abroad”, and also called for a public discourse “of moderation and respect for the opinions of others”.

The pontiff, the first American pope in history, made these remarks in a message delivered in English to those gathered on Independence Mall in Philadelphia, where the National Constitution Center awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his contributions to promoting freedom.

Leo

“As a child of this great nation, founded by courageous men and women who dreamed of freedom and a better life for themselves and their children, I join you in asking God’s blessings on the future of America so that the noble ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence may continue to guide the nation’s flourishing in unity, justice and peace,” he declared.

Reflecting on American identity, he emphasized that the country has become a “beacon of freedom” by opening its doors to immigrants, allowing them and their children to participate in building the nation’s future.

“That same love of freedom inspired the United States, in the darkest moments of the last century, during two world wars, and, at great sacrifice, to defend the cause of freedom beyond its own borders,” he said.

In contrast, the pope emphasized that “true freedom” does not simply consist of “the ability to act as one pleases”, but “goes much further” and is based on “knowledge of the truth and adherence to good”.

Alluding to the motto “One of many” (of many, one), he concluded that, for a nation to prosper, it must be united by lasting ideals and not by “objectives tied to momentary efforts”.

“May the principles we reflect on today — shared human dignity, equality, and the rights enshrined in the Declaration of Independence — always be a source of that unity and a guiding light for the present moment and for the years to come,” he added.