Dalai Lama to receive next Liberty Medal

Not long after the Holy Father, His Holiness will be coming to Philadelphia.

The Dalai Lama will be honored with the Constitution Center’s Liberty Medal at the annual ceremony in October – one month after Pope Francis is scheduled to visit Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families.

“In his advocacy for Ti betans and for human rights worldwide, the Dalai Lama has always emphasized the ideals of freedom, dialogue , and tolerance,” said National Constitution Center president and CEO Jeffrey Rosen.” For this reason he embodies the spirit of the Liberty Medal, which aims to honor men and women who strive to secure such blessings of liberty to people around the globe.”

The Dalai Lama, who received theNobel Peace Prize in 1989, is the spiritual leader of Tibet.

“The city is fortunate to host two of the world’s most inspirational leaders in such a short time,” said Mayor Michael Nutter, noting the award will come one month after Pope Francis’ visit.

Last year’s Liberty Medal recipient was Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani activist for female education and also a Nobel Peace Prize recipient.