PHILADELPHIA, PA (March 16, 2026) — The National Constitution Center will award the 38th annual Liberty Medal to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at a public ceremony held on July 3, 2026, the eve of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, outside the Center on Independence Mall in Philadelphia. The award recognizes The Holy Father’s lifelong work promoting religious liberty and freedom of conscience and expression around the world, ideals enshrined by America’s founders in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Pope Leo intends to deliver live acceptance remarks virtually from the Vatican, which will be livestreamed to those in attendance on Independence Mall, as well as online via the Center’s website.
Taking place against the backdrop of Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed, the ceremony will reflect on the enduring meaning of liberty at a moment of historic national reflection and will underscore Philadelphia’s central role in both the nation’s founding and its ongoing civic life. The event will bring together civic leaders, faith leaders, and members of the public to consider how America’s founding ideals articulated 250 years ago continue to resonate in a global context today.
The Director of the Holy See Press Office said, “The Holy Father is deeply grateful to the National Constitution Centre for this prestigious award, in such a meaningful anniversary for the American People, as they are called to reflect on the 250 years of their history holding the Constitution of the United States and Liberty as hallmarks of their heritage for future generations.”
National Constitution Center Interim President and CEO Vince Stango shared, “At a moment of national reflection marking America’s 250th anniversary, the Liberty Medal invites us to consider how the ideals of freedom are carried forward across generations and around the world. With this, the NCC is honored to award the Liberty Medal to Pope XIV for his career as a consistent advocate for religious liberty, freedom of conscience, and human dignity. In formal Vatican statements and public addresses, His Holiness has affirmed that peace cannot exist without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, and freedom of expression, principles that closely align with constitutional protections guaranteed by the First Amendment.”
Since his election in May 2025, Pope Leo has made interfaith and ecumenical dialogue a defining priority of his pontificate, engaging leaders from Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and other religious communities to promote mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. His outreach reflects a broader moral vision that frames religious liberty not as an abstract right, but as a lived expression of human dignity, particularly for marginalized communities, including religious minorities and those affected by conflict. As the first American pope, Pope Leo XIV brings a distinctive perspective shaped by democratic ideals and a lifelong commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue.
This special Liberty Medal ceremony, held in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary and semiquincentennial, is presented in partnership with the City of Philadelphia and Wawa Welcome America as part of the city’s Independence Week events celebrating the semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Villanova University also played a critical role in shaping this year’s Liberty Medal program. Pope Leo will accept the Liberty Medal via live telecast, and viewers around the globe can watch the full ceremony live, thanks to Comcast NBCUniversal.
“From its founding, America has understood liberty of conscience as essential to human freedom and self-government,” said Mike George, chair of the National Constitution Center’s Board of Trustees. “Pope Leo XIV’s moral leadership and his defense of religious freedom and free expression embodies these enduring principles. Honoring him with the Liberty Medal affirms the universal power of these ideals and their relevance far beyond our borders.”
The Liberty Medal, established in 1988 and hosted by the National Constitution Center since 2006, recognizes individuals and organizations who strive to secure the blessings of liberty to people around the globe. Recent recipients have included Hamilton and Ron Chernow, Ken Burns, Judy Woodruff and David Rubenstein, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, U.S. Senator John McCain, U.S. Representative John Lewis, the Dalai Lama, and Malala Yousafzai.
The Liberty Medal prize is sponsored by Ira Lubert and Pamela Estadt, who have generously supported the award for more than a decade. The Liberty Medal is also made possible by contributions from corporations, foundations, and individuals, with proceeds supporting the ongoing work of the National Constitution Center.
About the Liberty Medal
The Liberty Medal was established in 1988 to commemorate the bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution. Given annually, the medal honors individuals and organizations of courage and conviction who strive to secure the blessings of liberty to people around the globe. A full list of all past recipients is available here: constitutioncenter.org/liberty-medal/recipients
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About the National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia brings together people of all ages and perspectives, across America and around the world, to learn about, debate, and celebrate the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the U.S. Constitution. A private, nonprofit organization, the Center serves as America’s leading platform for constitutional education and debate, fulfilling its congressional charter “to disseminate information about the U.S. Constitution on a nonpartisan basis.” As the Museum of We the People, the Center brings the Constitution to life for visitors of all ages through interactive programs and exhibits. As America’s Town Hall, the Center brings the leading conservative and liberal thought leaders together to debate the Constitution on all media platforms. As a Headquarters for Civic Education, the Center delivers the best educational programs and online resources that inspire citizens and engage all Americans in learning about the U.S. Constitution. For more information, call 215-409-6700 or visit constitutioncenter.org.
