Villanova University Celebrates Pope Leo XIV’s Liberty Medal Honor
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, a significant ceremony is set to take place on July 3, 2026, in Philadelphia. The National Constitution Center (NCC) will honor Pope Leo XIV with the prestigious 38th annual Liberty Medal, recognizing his dedicated efforts towards religious freedom and human dignity.
Villanova University, an Augustinian institution and co-sponsor of the event, shares a special bond with the American-born Pontiff. Pope Leo, originally Robert Prevost, is an alumnus of Villanova, having graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1977, and later receiving an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from the university in 2014.
“St. Augustine reminds us that meaningful civic discourse begins with respect for one another and a shared search for truth,” said Villanova University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD. “In honoring our Holy Father with this award, we recognize not only his lifelong witness to the dignity of every person and the common good, but also the deep and enduring connections among our nation’s founding ideals, the Augustinian tradition and Catholic social teaching.”
Photo Credit: Vatican Media
The ceremony, to be held on Independence Mall, emphasizes the historical connection between the nation’s founding ideals and the Augustinian tradition. In a poignant historical note, President George Washington contributed to building St. Augustine’s Church in 1796, the first Augustinian church in the U.S., located near the event venue. Villanova College, now Villanova University, was founded by the Augustinians in 1842, though its early years faced challenges such as the anti-Catholic riots that led to the destruction of the church.
Pope Leo XIV will address the audience via video, joining an illustrious list of previous Liberty Medal recipients who have been honored for their commitment to freedom and human rights since the award’s inception in 1989. The event promises to reflect on the enduring resonance of America’s founding ideals in today’s global landscape.
The ceremony will be accessible to a wider audience through a livestream on the NCC’s website, allowing people worldwide to partake in this significant occasion.
About the National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia serves as a platform for constitutional education and debate, fulfilling its mission to increase awareness and understanding of the U.S. Constitution. Through interactive programs and exhibits, it brings the Constitution to life for visitors of all ages, making it a hub for civic education.
About the Liberty Medal
Established in 1988 to mark the bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution, the Liberty Medal honors those who demonstrate courage and conviction in securing liberty worldwide. For a complete list of past recipients, click here.
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