POPE LEO XIV VISIT TO LAMPEDUSA

On the 250th U.S. Independence Day (July 4, 2026), Pope Leo XIV travelled to the Sicilian Island of Lampedusa, Italy-Europe's primary gateway for Mediterranean immigrants to pray at the cemetery for immigrants who died trying to reach Europe. The Pope celebrated the Mass and delivered a powerful message condemning the mistreatment of immigrants while issuing a letter to the U.S. regarding its treatment of refugees. Pope Leo XIV has urged Europe to do more in protecting and integrating immigrants. The same weekend, he sent a video message to an interfaith gathering in Philadelphia honoring America's 250th anniversary and received a Liberty medal in absentia.