Pope Leo makes remarks praising the United States’ history of welcoming immigrants during his first major address to his home country in connection with the country’s 250th anniversary. Speaking via video and in remarks broadcast live from the Vatican to the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, he urges Americans to align with ideals associated with the Declaration of Independence. He says “successive waves of immigrants” have helped shape the United States and frames the country’s approach to migrants as a reason it has become known globally as a symbol of freedom. The address also emphasizes themes attributed to the founding era, including unity, justice, and peace, and expresses a hope that those principles will guide the country as it marks its anniversary. Multiple outlets report that his comments are widely read as an implicit rebuke to US President Donald Trump, particularly in relation to immigration politics. The remarks have also drawn attention because the pope’s position is presented as defending the immigrant-centered narrative of the US at a moment when immigration policy is politically contested.