One of the world’s most recognizable religious leaders is coming to Philly to receive a major award.
The Dalai Lama will receive the 2015 Liberty Medal for his work promoting human rights worldwide, the National Constitution Center announced Wednesday.
“We are so pleased to announce His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the recipient of the 2015 Liberty Medal,” said National Constitution Center president and CEO Jeffrey Rosen. “In his advocacy for Tibetans and for human rights worldwide, the Dalai Lama has always emphasized the ideals of freedom, dialogue and tolerance.
The visit by the spiritual Tibetan leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner will come about a month after Pope Francis comes to Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families. The visits’ significance isn’t lost on city leaders.
“The city is fortunate to host two of the world’s most inspirational leaders in such a short time,” said Mayor Michael Nutter.
The 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet will receive the medal in an Oct. 26 ceremony.
The Liberty Medal, given annually, was founded in 1988 to honor people who show “courage and conviction who strive to secure the blessings of liberty to people around the globe.” Some tickets to the event will be released to the general public in September, said the Constitution Center.
