Pope Leo expresses his prayers for all Americans in a letter he sent to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America.

Axar.az informs, citing Vatican News, in the text, the US-born Holy Father reflected on the principles that have shaped the United States for two and a half centuries, especially religious freedom and human dignity.

Calling the semiquincentennial a defining milestone in the nation's history, Pope Leo noted that the Declaration of Independence gave enduring voice to the ideals of liberty, equality, the pursuit of happiness, justice and democratic self-government.

For 250 years, he observed, generations of Americans have sought to advance these principles through sacrifice, service, innovation and civic participation.