U.S.-born Pope Francis urges immigration compassion on Independence Day

Pope Francis, the first American‑born pontiff, addressed a livestream audience at Philadelphia’s Independence Mall on the eve of the United States’ 250th Independence Day anniversary. The National Constitution Center presented him with its Liberty Medal. In his remarks he stressed that “immigrants have shaped the future of the United States” and warned against rhetoric that fuels anti‑immigrant sentiment, implicitly critiquing former President Donald Trump’s policies.

The pope declined an invitation from the White House to join the July 4 celebrations, opting instead to travel to the Italian island of Lampedusa, a key entry point for migrants crossing the Mediterranean. Archbishop Alessandro Damiano of Agrigento called the pope’s forthcoming visit a “clear message” and a “comfort to those who have found the end of their journey,” emphasizing compassion and opposing “remigration.” The speech linked the United States’ founding ideals of liberty and equality with contemporary challenges of migration.