Pope Leo XIV Expresses Universal Identity and Declines US Independence Celebration

By the Editorial Team · Friday, July 31, 2026

Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff, declined an invitation to attend America’s 250th Independence Day celebrations, emphasizing his role as leader of a global Catholic Church rather than identifying solely as American. His choice to visit a migrant hotspot in Italy instead highlights his focus on humanitarian issues and signals a subtle critique of the current U.S. administration.

Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff born in the United States, has expressed a complex relationship with his American identity while declining an invitation to attend the country’s 250th Independence Day celebrations. In an interview ahead of the July 4 observance, the 70-year-old pontiff acknowledged his admiration for the freedoms and opportunities available in the United States but emphasized his primary role as the leader of a global Catholic Church.

Born in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV highlighted his diverse heritage, noting that his ancestors included both enslaved people and slave owners, a reflection of the nation’s complicated history. Despite his personal ties to the United States, he refrained from identifying solely as American, underscoring his mission as a "pastor of a universal Church" that transcends national boundaries.

The pope’s decision to forgo President Donald Trump’s invitation to participate in the sesquicentennial celebrations was interpreted by observers as a subtle rebuke of the current American administration. Instead, he chose to visit Lampedusa, an Italian island known as a key entry point for migrants coming to Europe. During his visit, he called on world leaders to confront the humanitarian challenges posed by migration, signaling his continued advocacy for displaced populations.

Pope Leo XIV’s relationship with American culture appears nuanced. He enjoys several aspects of American life, including a fondness for peanut butter sandwiches and a penchant for wearing a Chicago White Sox baseball cap, reflecting his connection to his hometown. Although he expressed hope to visit the United States soon, he cautioned that no plans had been finalized.

The interview coincided with the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, a figure renowned for his commitment to peace and care for the marginalized. The commemoration featured performances by internationally acclaimed tenor Andrea Bocelli as well as young singers from various countries, reinforcing the pope’s message of global unity and compassion.

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