Pope Leo XIV hails U.S. 250th anniversary, urges 'welcome, protection, and aid for immigrants'

Pope Leo XIV has congratulated Americans on their nation's 250th independence anniversary, urging them to uphold core values and extend compassion to immigrants. Speaking from the Italian island of Lampedusa, where he had previously called on European nations to welcome migrants, the pontiff addressed Americans as "my compatriots."

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I address my most sincere congratulations to all Americans.

In a message shared on X, Leo XIV emphasized that religious freedom has long been central to the "American promise," safeguarding both individual dignity and peaceful coexistence among a diverse populace. He stressed that a full understanding of human dignity necessitates recognizing the importance of protecting life from conception to natural death.

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At the occasion of this anniversary, it is important to recall that religious freedom has long been at the heart of the American promise, protecting both individual dignity and the peaceful coexistence of a diverse people.

"Those who are vulnerable, those who suffer, and those who are forgotten must always be welcomed with compassion, solidarity, and love," the Pope stated. He directly linked the defense of human life to the welcoming, protection, and aid of immigrants, whose contributions are integral to the nation's history.

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A full understanding of this dignity leads to recognizing the importance of protecting human life from its beginning, at conception, until natural death, and of building a society in which the vulnerable, those who suffer, and those who are forgotten are always welcomed with compassion, solidarity, and love.

The Pope's remarks come as the U.S. administration tightens its immigration policies. He implicitly reminded Americans that their nation was founded by European immigrants, noting that each generation seeking freedom and opportunity has helped shape the country's character. This echoes the stance of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who also prioritized the migrant issue throughout his pontificate.

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The defense of human life also involves welcoming, protecting, and aiding immigrants, whose hopes, sacrifices, and contributions are an integral part of this country's history since its origins.