"As a son 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 blessing on America's future, that the high ideals enshrined at the beginning of the Declaration of Independence may continue to guide the nation's prosperity in unity, justice, and peace ." Thus Pope Leo XIV, recalling the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, on the day he received the Medal of Freedom from the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

In his address, he recalled the founding values of the United States, focusing on the themes of freedom, national unity, human dignity, and religious freedom. In his address, the Pope recalled how "over the past 250 years, for so many peoples around the world, there has been a steadfast determination to realize the noble vision of the Founding Fathers, to make America synonymous with freedom, as the country opened its doors to successive waves of immigrants, allowing them and their children to help shape the nation's future. It was this same love of freedom that inspired the United States in the darkest hours of the last century ." He then emphasized that "the path to building a society that embodies the high ideals of liberty and justice for all has not always been easy and, in many respects, is still a work in progress. Indeed, the effort to realize this vision is a commitment that must be revived in every generation and in the face of ever new challenges."

"Moral greatness is measured by the protection of the most vulnerable."

Receiving the award, the Pontiff also recalled the value of protecting life : "The moral greatness of a nation is manifested above all in its ability to support, protect, and safeguard the lives of all, especially the most vulnerable and those whose worth is questioned. After the right to life, freedom has been and is preeminent among the principles revered by the men and women who have sought a new beginning within the borders of this nation, often equating it with a previously unimaginable hope ."

The value of religious freedom

The Pope then devoted a lengthy passage to religious freedom, the underlying theme of the awarding of the Medal of Freedom. "Religious freedom gave rise to the American tradition of enabling interreligious dialogue and cooperation to promote the public good and enrich debates on the great moral and ethical questions that have confronted the nation and shaped the course of its history. It is my hope that this tradition will continue to bear fruit in public discourse marked by moderation, respect for the views of others, and a steadfast commitment to finding common ground in promoting the cause of peace and reconciliation, at home and abroad." Recalling the Founding Fathers of the United States, he added: "Men and women of diverse backgrounds, religions, and languages were able to find the common ground and strength needed to pursue a better future. The principles that inspired America's Founding Fathers, rooted in the truth of the human person, united them in a single cause, a common dream. Unity gave strength to that dream, giving birth, with God's help, to the United States of America. Finally, the appeal: "For a nation to prosper, it must be truly united; united not by goals tied to fleeting exploits, but by ideals that do not fade with the passage of time. May the principles we have reflected on today—a shared human dignity, equality, and the rights enshrined in the Declaration of Independence—ever be the source of that unity and a guiding light for the present and for the years to come."

"God bless America"

Wearing the Medal of Freedom around his neck, the Pontiff concluded with an appeal in view of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States: "In accepting this award, I therefore pray that this, the 250th anniversary of the founding of this great nation, may be an occasion for a solemn renewal of commitment to those ideals that have made America a country that values peace and prosperity, a country characterized by generosity and nobility of spirit." Then, his final greeting: "May God bless America!"

(Unioneonline)

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