Pope Leo and New York City mayor deliver pro-immigrant speeches ahead of U.S. 250th anniversary

Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope, and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani each delivered video addresses on July 3, 2026, marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. The statements came one day before July 4 Independence Day celebrations. Neither speaker mentioned President Trump by name.

He called for recommitment to founding principles and recognition of human dignity regardless of borders. "In these past 250 years, for so many peoples throughout the world, it was the firm resolve to achieve the noble vision of the nation's founders that made America a byword for freedom, as the country opened its doors to successive waves of immigrants," the Chicago-born pope said.

He stood with recently naturalized citizens and noted that he himself became a naturalized citizen in 2018. "America, if you ask them, becomes less, the more people it welcomes," Mamdani said. " The speeches occurred amid ongoing national debate over immigration policy and the ideals that should define the United States.