Pope Leo assures Americans of prayers on 250th anniversary of United States
By Deborah Castellano Lubov
"May the Spirit of 1776 continue to inspire hope and unity as the United States of America moves into the future."
Pope Leo XIV expressed this in a letter he sent to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026.
READ POPE LEO XIV'S FULL LETTER TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE
In the text, the US-born Holy Father reflected on the principles that have shaped the United States for two and a half centuries, especially religious freedom and human dignity.
Calling the semiquincentennial a defining milestone in the nation's history, Pope Leo noted that the Declaration of Independence gave enduring voice to the ideals of liberty, equality, the pursuit of happiness, justice and democratic self-government.
For 250 years, he observed, generations of Americans have sought to advance these principles through sacrifice, service, innovation and civic participation.
Religious freedom among country's most cherished principles
The anniversary, he suggested, offers not only an opportunity to celebrate the nation's remarkable journey, but also a moment to reflect on the responsibilities Americans bear toward one another and toward future generations.
"Among the most cherished of these principles," he underscored, "is religious freedom — the right of every person to worship according to conscience and to practice their faith openly, without coercion or fear."
This principle, he said, "has long been central to the American promise, protecting both individual dignity and the peaceful coexistence of a diverse people."
Pope Leo stressed that it has enabled the Catholic Church to flourish in the United States.
Responsibility of 'faithful sons and daughters' of the Church
Reflecting on the role of Catholics in public life, Pope Leo emphasized that faith does not diminish civic responsibility but strengthens it.
"As faithful sons and daughters of the Church," he wrote, "Catholics are called to imbue every dimension of their existence with the charity of Christ, living out the Gospel in the circumstances of daily life."
He noted that this witness has inspired the Church's longstanding contributions to American society through education, healthcare, and serving the common good.
Recalling his predecessor Pope Leo XIII's encyclical Sapientiae Christianae, the Holy Father cited his predecessor's observation that "no better citizen is there... than the Christian who is mindful of his duty."
Every human life has God-given inviolable worth
"Far from standing in opposition to the responsibilities of citizenship," Pope Leo said that faith "lends new vigor to the pursuit of justice, peace and the common good, bringing to perfection every natural gift bestowed by the Creator."
He also called to mind when Saint Paul himself encouraged the early Christians to pray for those in positions of authority in order to live a peaceful life in accord with the will of God.
Turning to the dignity of the human person, Pope Leo reaffirmed that every human life is endowed by God with an inherent and inviolable worth deserving of reverence, protection and care.
"In this spirit," he wrote, "a full understanding of this dignity leads to recognizing the importance of safeguarding human life from its beginning at conception until natural death, and of building a society in which the vulnerable, the suffering and the forgotten are always met with compassion, solidarity and love."
Immigrants' sacrifices and contributions to nation's history
The Pope added that defending human life also means welcoming, protecting and accompanying migrants. He recalled how immigrants' sacrifices and contributions have shaped the nation's history.
"In every generation," he observed, "those who have arrived seeking freedom, opportunity and a place to belong have helped to shape the nation's character. To receive them with compassion and generosity is not only an act of charity, but also a recognition of the dignity that belongs to every human person."
Pope Leo also recalled the themes of his encyclical Magnifica humanitas, stressing that today's global challenges require shared responsibility and cooperation.
"Building a world in which everyone can flourish requires shared responsibility and courage. No one can single-handedly bear the weight of the challenges the world is facing."
Renew your shared commitment
The Pope encouraged Americans to allow the anniversary to renew their shared commitment to freedom, opportunity and democracy.
"May Americans," he prayed, "honor the courage and vision of those who came before them by strengthening their communities, respecting their differences and working together toward a more perfect union."
Pope Leo concluded by entrusting the American people to the intercession of the Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the United States, praying that she continue to watch over the nation and all who dwell within it.
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