Wojciech Rogacin – Vatican
The first American Pope extended his wishes to all his compatriots on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In a letter, he called on Americans to be faithful to the ideals of freedom, equality, justice, the pursuit of happiness, and democratic self-determination, which were the foundation of the nation’s founders’ ideas – Vatican News reports.
Freedom and responsibility of Christians
“This anniversary is an invitation not only to celebrate the extraordinary journey the nation has made, but also to reflect on the responsibility that the sons and daughters of this country bear towards one another and towards future generations,” the Pope wrote.
Among the principles they should uphold, he first mentioned freedom – including religious freedom, which is “the right of every person to worship God according to their own conscience and to freely profess their faith, without coercion or fear.”
The Pope added that Catholics, who also benefit from this freedom, are called to permeate every dimension of their lives with the love of Christ, living the Gospel daily.
Leo XIV referred to the thoughts of Leo XIII, contained in the encyclical Sapientiae Christianae: “There is no better citizen (…) than a Christian aware of his duties” (no. 7).
And he added that “Catholics are called to continue serving their homeland by faithfully fulfilling their duties to God and country, becoming the leaven for the growth of a civilization of love.”
Human dignity and the protection of life
In his letter, Leo XIV reminds his compatriots of the necessity to respect the dignity of every human being, and consequently – to protect and care for human life.
As the Holy Father writes, a full understanding of this human dignity leads to the recognition of “the necessity to protect human life from conception until natural death” and to build a society in which the weakest, suffering, and forgotten are always met with compassion, solidarity, and love.
“The defense of human life also includes welcoming, protecting, and supporting immigrants, whose hopes, sacrifices, and contributions have been part of this country’s history from the very beginning,” Leo XIV points out.
And he adds that welcoming them with compassion and generosity is not only an act of charity but also an expression of recognition of the dignity inherent in every human person.
Act for the common good
Recalling his encyclical Magnifica humanitas, Leo XIV also appeals in his letter to Americans to act for the common good, that is, to build a world where every person can flourish.
“No one can bear the burden of the challenges facing the modern world alone,” the Pope writes. “We need each other and must act together, in unity, to face the challenges.”
Under Mary’s care, build a country of justice
“May this jubilee be an occasion to renew a common commitment to the ideals of freedom, justice, opportunity for all, and democracy. May Americans celebrate the courage and foresight of those who came before them, strengthening their communities, respecting mutual differences, and working together to build an ever more perfect national community,” the Holy Father emphasized, entrusting Americans to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Patroness of this country.
