In speech to the USA, Pope calls for defense of life from conception to death
Pope Leo XIV called this Friday (3) for the United States to pass laws that "recognize and protect" life from conception to natural death.
"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", he said.
This was the pontiff's first major speech addressed to his country of origin. The speech was made via video.
The pope also praised the United States' history of welcoming immigrants and called on Americans to live up to the ideals of the Declaration of Independence.
He stated that the word "America" has become synonymous with freedom around the world because of the way the country has welcomed immigrants.
The speech was broadcast live from the Vatican to the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, on which occasion he received the institution's Medal of Freedom.
Leão said he hopes the ideals of "unity, justice and peace" espoused by the Founding Fathers will guide the U.S. as the country celebrates its 250th anniversary.
"This historic anniversary offers us the opportunity to reflect once again on the nation's founding principles, in the hope that America will always remain faithful to the dream that earned it the title of land of the free and home of the brave," the pope said.
Leão, originally from Chicago but who has not visited the US since assuming the papacy in May 2025, had already sent some video messages to local events in the country, but not to a national audience.
Last month, the pope warned that history would condemn world leaders who treated immigrants harshly. He gave this speech the day before traveling to Lampedusa, an Italian island that has become a crossing point on one of the world's deadliest migratory routes.
Leo did not mention Trump or any other American political leader by name. He called on the US to stand together and work on long-term solutions to its problems.
"For a nation to prosper, it must be truly united; united not by objectives linked to momentary endeavors, but by ideals that do not fade with the passage of time," he said.
Medal of Freedom
The National Constitution Center is a nonprofit organization and museum. The Medal of Freedom honors people "who strive to secure the blessings of freedom for people throughout the world."
Previous recipients include former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Dalai Lama.
Who is Robert Prevost, Pope Leo XIV?
Who is Robert Prevost, Pope Leo XIV?
Source: CNN