On July 3, 2026, Pope Leo XIV spoke via video link from the Vatican to the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, where he was awarded the Liberty Medal. In his address, on the eve of the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence, the Pontiff recalled the founding principles of the nation, citing Thomas Jefferson and the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. He stated that over the past 250 years the United States opened its doors to successive waves of immigrants, allowing them and their children to contribute to shaping the future of the nation. He also recalled the role of the United States during the two world wars, when the country defended the cause of liberty beyond its borders. The Pope called for a public debate characterized by moderation and emphasized national unity as one of the main forces of the American dream. He described himself as a son of that great nation and concluded with the words May God bless America. He did not explicitly mention President Donald Trump or other political leaders. On July 4, instead of accepting the White House invitation to the Independence Day celebrations, Pope Leo XIV traveled to Lampedusa, the Italian island that is a symbol of Mediterranean migration routes. It is the second papal visit to the island after Pope Francis in 2013. The Pontiff was received at the airport by Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano, representing the Italian government. An attendance of about 10,000 people was expected. During the visit, the Pope crossed alone through the Porta d Europa, the memorial dedicated to those who cross the Mediterranean in search of safety, and descended to the seafront to look out over the sea. A gust of wind blew his zucchetto into the water. He laid white and yellow flowers at the migrants cemetery and met with migrants and humanitarian workers. He defined the situation as an epochal crisis and called on the European Union to take responsibility, stating that the victims are the result of decisions taken or not taken. He said that those who arrive must be welcomed and protected, and that tragedies stem from choices made or missed. Archbishop of Agrigento Alessandro Damiano described the visit as a clear message and a caress to those men and women who found the end of their journey in Lampedusa. According to the archbishop, the visit also represents a message against so-called remigration, namely proposals for the forced return of migrants to their countries of origin. The parish priest of the island stated that new rules dehumanize migrations and abandon the most vulnerable. Cardinal Baldassare Reina, vicar for the Diocese of Rome, spoke of continuity between the pontificate of Leo XIV and that of Francis, and said that the Pope is carrying out his mandate impeccably. The president of the Sicily Region, Renato Schifani, met the Pope and defined the visit as a strong signal and an epochal appointment for Sicily, giving him a symbol of Sicily as a gift. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump held a speech at Mount Rushmore on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. After attendees were temporarily evacuated due to bad weather, Trump delivered a 40-minute address retracing American history. He stated that American identity is under new attack and that the United States will never become a communist country. He also claimed to have firmly defended the Second Amendment on the right to bear arms during his presidency, and said that this is only the dawn of the golden age of America. According to some press accounts, the president leveled accusations against radicals and internal extremists. In Iran, during Friday prayers, worshippers chanted slogans against the United States and Israel, according to a report by a single news outlet. No further details were available from other sources. In Italy, political reactions to the July 4 events varied. According to some press reports, part of the political opposition chose not to participate in Independence Day-related events, a choice that was criticized by other outlets as anti-American. These characterizations remain a matter of political debate.