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Pope Francis, Liberty Medal recipient, lauds US freedom, immigrant rights

7/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Pope Francis delivered a video address from the Vatican while receiving the Liberty Medal.
He praised America’s immigrant tradition and called the United States a “byword for freedom.”
He urged citizens to uphold the Declaration of Independence’s ideals on the nation’s 250th anniversary.
He warned that history will condemn leaders who treat immigrants harshly and called for laws protecting life from conception to natural death.

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Story summary

Pope Francis delivered a video address from the Vatican while receiving the Liberty Medal.
He praised America’s immigrant tradition and called the United States a “byword for freedom.”
He urged citizens to uphold the Declaration of Independence’s ideals on the nation’s 250th anniversary.
He warned that history will condemn leaders who treat immigrants harshly and called for laws protecting life from conception to natural death.