government
On the eve of America’s birthday, the first American pope takes center stage
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 3, 2026
· 4 min read
By Danny Freeman, CNN
PHILADELPHIA (CNN) — Reverend Paul Galetto says there has been a swell of enthusiasm for Pope Leo XIV across the greater Philadelphia region since his election.
“The people love having somebody who better relates to them and understands them,” the leader of St. Paul Pari...
Key takeaway Paul Parish in the heart of South Philly told CNN this week.
Why this matters in The El Paso
As El Pasoans celebrate America's birthday, the selection of Pope Leo XIV for the Liberty Medal is a reminder that the city's own strong Catholic heritage is part of a broader national narrative. The pope's emphasis on religious liberty and freedom of conscience resonates in a city where faith plays a significant role in community life. El Paso 's residents, with their diverse cultural backgrounds, may appreciate the pope's message of promoting fundamental rights and freedoms. The National Constitution Center's recognition of Pope Leo XIV also highlights the connection between American values and the city's own history, as El Paso has long been a crossroads of cultures and a symbol of freedom and opportunity. As the city marks this milestone birthday, it is worth considering how the pope's words on liberty and freedom might inspire local conversations about the importance of these values in El Paso's own community.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: government ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 4 min
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What is this story about? By Danny Freeman, CNN
PHILADELPHIA (CNN) — Reverend Paul Galetto says there has been a swell of enthusiasm for Pope Leo XIV across the greater Philadelphia region since his election.
“The people love having somebody who better relates to them and understands them,” the leader of St. Paul Pari...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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