Pope Leo, the first American-born pope, marks the United States’ 250th anniversary with an appeal to Americans to welcome and protect immigrants. In remarks and a letter associated with the July 4 period, he points to the role of “successive waves of immigrants” in shaping the country and links those contributions to the ideals associated with the Declaration of Independence. Sources report that he praises the United States’ history of receiving migrants and urges Americans to live up to those principles, emphasizing “unity, justice and peace.” Several outlets describe the message as an implicit rebuke to U.S. political rhetoric on immigration, noting that Leo has previously drawn criticism from President Donald Trump due to his comments on immigration and migration. The address is also reported to be part of events connected to Pope Leo receiving a liberty-related honor in Philadelphia, with the remarks broadcast from the Vatican. Across coverage, the core message is consistent: the pope asks the U.S. to continue “welcoming, protecting and assisting” immigrants as part of the country’s founding ideals.