Gina Christian

Bishop Terry R. LaValley of Ogdensburg, N.Y., gives a presentation during a gathering of New York state’s bishops and catechetical leaders at the Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston, N.Y., Sept. 27, 2012. Bishop LaValley was among the U.S. bishops who have issued statements following the Vatican’s July 2, 2026, excommunication of adherents of the Society of St. Pius X, including four bishops illicitly ordained in direct violation of Pope Leo XIV’s directive. (OSV News photo/Gregory A. Shemitz)

In August 1976, Philadelphia hosted the 41st International Eucharistic Congress, which brought Catholics together from around the world to celebrate and discuss "The Eucharist and the Hungers of the Human Family." (OSV News photo/Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Catholic Historical Research Center)

Pope Leo shared his thoughts on the US founding ideals in a July 3 address accepting the Liberty Medal from the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

Pope Leo XIV delivers a speech via livestream during the National Constitution Center's Liberty Medal award ceremony honoring the U.S.-born pope July 3, 2026, in Old City Philadelphia, for his efforts to uphold religious freedom. (OSV News photo/Jason E. Miczek, courtesy of the National Constitution Center)

Faith leaders said the award recognizes Pope Leo's lifelong witness to human dignity, religious freedom, and service to the common good

PHILADELPHIA — The awarding of the Liberty Medal to Pope Leo XIV for his efforts to uphold religious freedom is a “fitting recognition” that attests to the pope’s steadfast witness to human dignity, said Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez of Philadelphia. That sentiment was echoed by numerous faith and civic leaders joining the archbishop at a […]

Pilgrims attend the closing Mass of the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage at Saints Peter and Paul Basilica in Philadelphia July 5, 2026. (OSV News photo/Gina Christian)

After a six-week journey up the East Coast, ending in Philadelphia, the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage comes to an end.

The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage concluded amid the 250th anniversary of the US independence

PHILADELPHIA — As the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage concluded amid the U.S.’s 250th anniversary, “the journey continues,” said Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez of Philadelphia. And, he added, “we’re all walking to one place,” with the path leading to the “powerful, transformative and lifegiving” love of God. The archbishop was the principal celebrant and homilist at […]