On U.S. Independence Day, Pope Leo XIV urged people not to turn their backs on immigrants
On the occasion of U.S. Independence Day, Pope Leo XIV addressed his fellow citizens, calling on them to remain open to immigrants. In his first major address to Americans, the pontiff highlighted the country’s long-standing tradition of welcoming migrants and called on them to live in accordance with the principles enshrined in the Declaration of Independence.
In his latest veiled rebuke of U.S. President Donald Trump, the leader of the Catholic Church stated that the word “America” has become “synonymous with freedom” throughout the world because of the way the country welcomes migrants.
Lev expressed hope that the ideals of “unity, justice, and peace,” upheld by the Founding Fathers of the United States, would prevail in the United States during the celebration of its 250th anniversary.
“This historic anniversary gives us an opportunity to reflect once again on the founding principles of the nation, in the hope that America will always remain faithful to the dream that has earned it the title of the land of the free and the home of the brave,” the pope said.
On this day, the pontiff did not travel to the United States but instead visited the Italian island of Lampedusa—one of the main entry points into Europe for people making the dangerous sea crossing from North Africa in search of refuge.
The Pope also called on European leaders to address the issue of migration and to help improve conditions in migrants’ countries of origin so that people would not have to leave.
This was reported by The Guardian.
Trump unveiled a new $100 bill bearing his signature in time for U.S. Independence Day.
Abnormally high temperatures in late June caused a sharp rise in electricity prices on European energy exchanges. Meteorologists predict that a new heat wave in July could keep prices high.
A severe heat wave has swept across the central and eastern states of the U.S., forcing authorities to cancel or postpone dozens of events commemorating the country’s 250th anniversary of independence.
