Originally published at The Crux
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Pope Leo XIV navigated a difficult stretch of diplomatic water over Independence Day weekend, at a tense and delicate moment in U.S.-Vatican relations and a critical moment in global politics.
He did it by frankly acknowledging the realities of his personal connection to the United States and his role as universal pastor.
He “gets” the job he is in, and he also “gets” the people of his native country – the pre-eminent global power – and over the weekend, he found the way to demonstrate both things without compromising either.
While many Americans were taking part in backyard barbeques and taking in fireworks displays, the pontiff was on the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa, bringing the moral weight of his office to bear on the plight of migrants and appealing for solidarity and fellowship.
The pope did mark the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence on Saturday, however, with a letter extending his “heartfelt congratulations to all Americans” and urging citizens to work together “toward a more perfect union” in the present.
The letter urged the people of the United States to renew their “shared commitment to the promise of freedom, justice, opportunity and democracy.”
It also contained a trenchant appeal
