The National Constitution Center announced March 16 that the first U.S.-born Pope will receive the Liberty Medal during a public ceremony on July 3 outside Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. His acceptance remarks will be delivered by videolink and streamed as part of the celebration.

The Liberty Medal recognizes individuals whose work advances freedom and human dignity. According to the National Constitution Center, Pope Leo is being honored for his “lifelong work promoting religious liberty and freedom of conscience and expression around the world.”