Pope Leo XIV set to receive prestigious 38th annual Liberty medal

On July 3, 2026, the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia will award the 38th Annual Liberty Medal to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. This historic presentation takes place on Independence Mall on the eve of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

As the first-ever U.S.-born pontiff, Pope Leo XIV will accept the honor virtually and deliver live remarks broadcasted directly from the Vatican to audiences gathered near Independence Hall.

Established in 1988, the Liberty Medal recognizes individuals of courage and conviction who strive to secure the blessings of liberty globally. This year's award honors the Holy Father’s lifelong advocacy for religious liberty, freedom of conscience, and human dignity. By celebrating these global efforts on America's semiquincentennial, the ceremony highlights how the foundational principles of free expression—enshrined in the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment—continue to resonate worldwide.