Pope Leo’s letter on the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America
The love of Christ controls us, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died
(2 Corinthians 5:14),
On the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence,
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all Americans.
This bicentennial marks the defining moment in United States history: July 4, 1776.
It gave an enduring voice to the ideals of liberty, equality, the pursuit of happiness, justice, and democratic self-government.
For two and a half centuries, generations of Americans have worked together to uphold these principles through sacrifice, service, innovation and civic participation.
This anniversary is an invitation to celebrate the nation’s remarkable journey and to reflect on our responsibilities to one another, and to future generations who will inherit the nation being shaped today.
One of the most cherished principles is religious freedom—the right of every person to worship according to their conscience and practice their faith openly without fear or coercion.
As we mark this anniversary, it is important to recognize that freedom of religion has long been central to the American promise.
This freedom protects both individual dignity and the peaceful coexistence of a diverse population.
This same freedom has allowed the Catholic Church to take root and flourish in the United States, benefiting not only its members, but also the entire nation.
As faithful sons and daughters of the Church, Catholics are called to imbue every aspect of their lives with Christ’s charity, living out the Gospel in their daily lives.
This way of life has led to the many contributions the Church has made to the development of this nation over the years.
In particular, I acknowledge her contributions in education, preferential care for the poor, healthcare, and basic social services.
In the Encyclical Sapientiae Christianae, my predecessor Pope Leo XIII wrote that “no better citizen exists than the Christian who is mindful of his duty” (no. 7).
In fact, faith lends new vigor to the pursuit of justice, peace, and the common good, bringing to perfection every natural gift bestowed by the Creator, rather than standing in opposition to the responsibilities of citizenship
St. Paul encouraged the early Christians to pray for those in positions of authority so they could live peaceful lives in accordance with God’s will (1 Timothy 2:1-2 =I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way.~).
In this regard, Catholics are called to continue serving the nation by faithfully fulfilling their duty to God and country, acting as leaven to help grow a civilization of love.
(Matthew 13:33 “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till it was all leavened”).
The God-given dignity of every human life is also among the principles that have guided the development of this country.
Each person is endowed with an inherent worth that calls for reverence, protection, and care.
In this spirit, recognizing the dignity of human life from conception to natural death is paramount, as is building a society that treats the vulnerable, suffering, and forgotten with compassion, solidarity, and love.
Defending human life means welcoming, protecting, and assisting immigrants.
Their hopes, sacrifices, and contributions have been part of this country’s history since its beginning.
Throughout history, immigrants seeking freedom, opportunity, and a sense of belonging have helped shape the nation’s character.
Receiving them with compassion and generosity is an act of charity and a recognition of the dignity of every human being.
In my recent encyclical letter, Magnifica Humanitas, I wrote about working together for the common good. “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” (no. 13).
We need each other. We must work together in unity to confront today’s global challenges.
May this milestone renew our shared commitment to freedom, justice, opportunity, and democracy.
May Americans honor the courage and vision of their predecessors by strengthening their communities, respecting their differences, and working together toward a more perfect union.
Congratulations on this extraordinary national anniversary.
May the spirit of 1776 continue to inspire hope and unity as the United States of America moves into the future.
As you renew your efforts to strengthen the nation according to the principles of its Founding Fathers, know that I am praying for you.
I entrust you to the intercession of the Immaculate Conception, patroness of this country.
May she continue to watch over America and protect all who dwell therein.
From the Vatican, June 25, 2026
LEO PP. XIV
