Italy Pope Lampedusa

Pope Leo XIV is spending the Fourth of July in the epicenter of Europe’s migration debate. While the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with rallies, parties and fireworks, history’s first U.S.-born pope traveled to the Sicilian island of Lampedusa. He is honoring the tens of thousands of migrants who have died trying to reach Europe to find freedom and prosperity. Later on Saturday, the Vatican confirmed that Leo had accepted an invitation by the U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, Brian Burch, to join in July 4 celebrations at his residence.