Pope lauds America's immigrant legacy and urges adherence to founding ideals
In a speech from the Vatican to Philadelphia, Pope Leo III highlighted the United States' tradition of welcoming migrants and called for reflection on the nation’s founding principles, while his upcoming visit to Lampedusa underscores his focus on immigration.
Pope Leo III used his first major address to the United States, delivered live from the Vatican to the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, to commend the country’s historic openness to migrants. He said the name “America” has become a “byword for freedom” worldwide because of this tradition and urged Americans to let the ideals of “unity, justice and peace” guide the nation as it marks its 250th anniversary.
“This historic anniversary presents us with the opportunity to reflect once again on the nation’s founding principles in 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,” the pope said.
The pope will travel to Lampedusa, a key entry point for migrants crossing the Mediterranean, on Saturday. His itinerary includes a visit to a cemetery with unmarked graves of those who died at sea, a stop at the Porta d’Europa migrant memorial, and the blessing of a plaque on a pier named for his predecessor, Pope Francis, who previously denounced the “globalisation of indifference.”
Leo’s focus on immigration echoes earlier criticism of U.S. policies under former President Donald Trump, including a November appeal for “deep reflection” on the treatment of detainees. Vatican journalist Marco Politi described the Lampedusa trip as “strongly symbolic and also a political sign,” noting that it reaffirms the pope’s stance on the dignity of every human being and challenges anti-immigrant rhetoric. Dutch Vatican correspondent Andrea Vreede added that the timing of the visit, close to July 4, sends a clear message to Trump about the importance of migrants.
Lampedusa, home to about 6,000 residents and situated nearer to Tunisia than mainland Italy, has long served as a landing point for migrants. Vatican News cited Italian Red Cross data indicating that more than 182,000 people have passed through the island’s reception centre in the past three years, while the International Organization for Migration reported nearly 1,000 deaths or disappearances in the Mediterranean between January and early April.
During his brief stay, the pope will celebrate Mass, speak with survivors of the sea crossing and humanitarian workers, and depart shortly after midday.
Kandeh Abdourahman, a cultural mediator with the International Rescue Committee who crossed the Mediterranean in 2015, said the pope’s visit underscores that “welcome” must be an active act of humanity for the world’s displaced population.