Italy Pope Lampedusa

Tareke Brhane, president of the 3 October Committee, a nonprofit organization founded in the aftermath of the tragedy in Lampedusa in which 368 people lost their lives, poses next to the wreck of a wooden boat used as a monument to commemorate migrants who died, at the cemetery on the island of Lampedusa, southern Italy, Friday, July 3, 2026, one day before Pope Leo XIV's visit. AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

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Pope visits US ambassador on July 4 after prayers at Lampedusa cemetery for migrant victims

Pope visits US ambassador on July 4 after prayers at Lampedusa cemetery for migrant victims

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.