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#Post#: 397956--------------------------------------------------
Pope Leo's Letter to the USA
DIR By: LabPartner
Date: July 3, 2026, 5:23 pm
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I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all Americans on the
occasion of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the
Declaration of Independence. This semiquincentennial marks that
defining moment in the history of the United States of America,
July 4, 1776, that gave 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 carry these principles forward through
sacrifice, service, innovation and civic participation. This
anniversary stands as an invitation not only to celebrate the
nation's remarkable journey, but also to reflect upon the
responsibilities that the sons and daughters of this country
bear to one another, and to the generations who will inherit the
nation that is being shaped today.
Among the most cherished of these principles is religious
freedom the right of every person to worship according to
conscience and to practice their faith openly, without coercion
or fear. In marking this anniversary, it is important to
recognize that freedom of religion has long been central to the
American promise, protecting both individual dignity and the
peaceful coexistence of a diverse people.
This same freedom has permitted the Catholic Church to take root
and flourish within the United States, to the advantage not only
of her own members, but of the entire nation. As faithful sons
and daughters of the Church, Catholics e called to imbue every
dimension of their existence with the charity of Christ (cf. 2
Cor 5:14), living out the Gospel in the circumstances of daily
life. Such a way of living has given rise to the many benefits
that the Church has provided over the years to the development
of this nation. In particular, I bring to mind her service in
areas of education, the preferential care of the poor,
healthcare and basic social services, to name a few.
In the Encyclical Sapientiae Christianae, my predecessor Pope
Leo XIII wrote that "no better citizen is there
than the
Christian who is mindful of his duty" (no. 7). In fact, faith
far from standing in opposition to the responsibilities of
citizenship lends new vigor to the pursuit of justice, peace
and the common good, bringing to perfection every natural gift
bestowed by the Creator. 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 (cf. 1
Tim 2:2). In this regard, it is in the faithful fulfilment of
duty to God and country that Catholics are called to
continue to serve the nation, as leaven for the growth of a
civilization of love (cf. Mt 13:33).
Also among the principles that have guided the development of
this country is the God-given dignity of every human life, each
person being endowed with an inherent worth that calls for
reverence, protection and care. In this spirit, 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.
Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and
assisting immigrants, whose hopes, sacrifices and contribution
have formed part of the history of this country from its very
beginning. In every generation, 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.
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 one another,
and we need to work together in unity to confront the challenges
that the world is facing today.
May this milestone renew the shared commitment to the promise of
freedom, justice, opportunity and democracy. May Americans 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.
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. In assuring all
of you of my prayers in your renewed efforts to strengthen the
nation in the principles that guided its Founding Fathers, I
entrust you to the intercession of the Immaculate Conception,
patroness of this country, that she will continue to watch over
America and protect all who dwell therein.
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