philadelphia —
The Rev. Paul Garrett said enthusiasm for Pope Leo XIV has increased throughout the Greater Philadelphia Area since his election.
“People want to have someone who can relate to them better and understand them,” the leader of St. Paul Parish in downtown South Philadelphia told CNN this week.
So on the eve of the nation’s 250th anniversary, Garrett was overjoyed to learn that America’s first pope would speak live and accept the award three miles away from the church. It’s perfect for America’s moment, he argues.
“I’m glad that the committee had the courage to choose Pope Leo for the award, because if there’s anyone who wants to talk about freedom, it’s him,” Garrett said.
On Friday, Pope Leo will formally receive the Medal of Freedom from the National Constitution Center, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization located across from Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
The center specializes in educating the public about the U.S. Constitution and has frequently hosted civic-minded events such as presidential debates over the years. The Freedom Medal honors “individuals and organizations of courage and conviction who strive to ensure the benefits of freedom to people around the world.”
The pope was chosen for his “lifelong work promoting religious freedom, freedom of conscience and expression around the world,” the center said.
Additionally, while the Pope is from Chicago, Philadelphia claims he is also an undergraduate graduate of nearby Villanova University.
“It made sense to connect the story of Philadelphia, the story of America, and the story of the world,” said Vince Stango, interim president and CEO of the National Constitution Center.
“And who better to embody that connection than the first American-born pope?” asked Stango himself, a proud Villanova graduate.
Stango personally presented the medal to the Pope in a private ceremony at the Vatican in April.
“Let us remember the words with which our Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago in Philadelphia,” Pope Leo said.
“We hold it to be self-evident that all human beings receive from their Creator fundamental rights, and that these rights include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
“May these values continue to inspire all of us in the United States and around the world. May we all work together to make these freedoms actually part of the lives of all people around the world,” the Pope continued.
The award is not partisan, and previous medals have been given to figures such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the late Sen. John McCain and film director Ken Burns.
But observers have noted that tensions between US President Donald Trump and Pope Leo intensified during his first year as pontiff and during the former’s second term.
“I think (the pope) was a conciliatory person,” said Michael Moreland, a professor of law and religion at Villanova University.
“Despite some controversy here and there, he can certainly be a source of unity and pride, especially for American Catholics, but sometimes for ordinary Americans in a time of national division,” Moreland said.
Friday’s ceremony will be multifaith and will include clergy from all over Philadelphia. The Pope’s remarks will also be streamed live.
“I hope that the Pope’s message is one of hope and that we will be among the citizens of the world who come together to create that more perfect union, whether it’s a more perfect union in the United States or a more perfect union on the world stage,” Stango said.
Garrett, himself a Villanova trustee, has known Pope Leo for years since he was known as Robert, or Bob, Prevost.
“One of the characteristics of Bob, which is also a characteristic of Leo, is that he’s never afraid to tell the truth,” said Garrett, who will be present Friday.
“(The speech) will probably have some strong statements and will send out a message about freedom, which may cause some reactions from some people.”
