Fit for a pontiff: How the US Embassy to the Holy See prepared to host Pope Leo for a special July 4 celebration

When Pope Leo XIV accepted an invitation from the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See to celebrate the Fourth of July with a special dinner, a significant amount of effort went into making the occasion impeccable and memorable. 

The U.S. Embassy to the Holy See posted a video to social media this week offering a behind-the-scenes look at the preparations that took place ahead of the July 4 occasion, saying dedicated teamwork was required. 

“Hosting a July 4th dinner for the Holy Father doesn't happen by accident,” the embassy stated. “Behind every perfectly set table, every carefully prepared dish, and every seamless moment of the evening stood a dedicated team at Villa Richardson who spent weeks planning, preparing, and perfecting every detail. A huge thanks to our wonderful team!”

U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch and his family welcomed Pope Leo the afternoon of July 4 at the ambassador’s residence in Rome, as Zeale News reported that day with exclusive comments from Burch.

>> Exclusive | Pope Leo XIV marks Fourth of July with historic visit to US ambassador’s residence in Rome <<

Burch told Zeale News that welcoming Pope Leo to the residency was an honor. 

“We shared a classic American meal and discussed the enduring friendship between the United States and the Holy See,” he said. 

They also spoke about growing up in Chicago, the Pope’s family and his faith, and his experience as Pope, according to Burch. 

“We had an encouraging dialogue on President Trump’s bold leadership and commitment to advancing religious freedom, his defense of human life, artificial intelligence, and the pursuit of peace around the world,” Burch added. "The Pope was extraordinarily gracious and welcoming to my family. This evening served as a reminder of the closeness of our two nations and the importance of continued cooperation in addressing the many challenges facing our world.”

Burch and his family had a number of gifts ready for the Holy Father: a homemade apple pie, a USA World Cup jersey, and a commemorative Freedom 250 baseball. 

According to the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See, Pope Leo confirmed that he is rooting for the U.S., where he was born, in the World Cup. 

Zeale News reported that Pope Leo attended the dinner in the residence’s dining room at a table decorated in red, white, and blue. 

After the meal, Pope Leo and Burch went to the garden of Villa Richardson at the residence, which is located on Rome’s Janiculum Hill.

Zeale News reported that the event was the first known visit by a pope to the residence of a foreign ambassador to the Holy See. 

“That fact alone would make the evening remarkable,” Zeale News reported. “But coming on the Fourth of July, in the middle of America’s semiquincentennial year, the gesture carried an unmistakable message. Pope Leo XIV, while fully occupying the universal mission of the papacy, chose to show public warmth toward his homeland at a moment when the United States is reflecting on its founding, its ideals, and its role in the world.”