Pope Leo assures Americans of prayers on 250th anniversary of United States

"May the Spirit of 1776 continue to inspire hope and unity as the United States of America moves into the future." 

Pope Leo XIV expressed this in a letter he sent to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026.In the text, the US-born Holy Father reflected on the principles that have shaped the United States for two and a half centuries, especially religious freedom and human dignity.

Calling the semiquincentennial a defining milestone in the nation's history, Pope Leo noted that the Declaration of Independence gave enduring voice to the ideals of liberty, equality, the pursuit of happiness, justice and democratic self-government.

For 250 years, he observed, generations of Americans have sought to advance these principles through sacrifice, service, innovation and civic participation.