Politics & Government

Dalai Lama To Visit Philadelphia In October

On the heels of Pope Francis' visit to the city in September, another leader of a major world religion will be visiting.

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Philadelphia will be a hub of international religious activity this fall.

Just one month after Pope Francis attends the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, the Dalai Lama will be visiting the National Constitution Center in center city to receive their prestigious Liberty Medal.

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet is being honored ”in recognition of his advocacy for human rights worldwide,” the Center said.

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“The Dalai Lama (emphasizes) the ideals of freedom, dialogue, and tolerance,” said Jeffrey Rosen, the president and CEO of the Center.

The current Dalai Lama, the head of Tibetan Buddhism, is the longest reigning leader in the history of the position, having reigned since 1950. He is known for his advocacy on behalf of the Tibetan people and religious freedom in China and around the world.

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His lifelong mission was to seek some kind of independence for Tibet from China. Due to this, China has denounced the Dalai Lama and pressured its trade partners around the world to do the same.

He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.

Each year, the medal is bestowed on individuals or organizations that show bravery and fortitude in advancing the cause of liberty around the world.

A limited number of tickets to the ceremony will be made available to the general public in September, the Center says.

Details on the Dalai Lama’s itinerary and length of stay in Philadelphia have not yet been made available.

Below is a full list of past recipients of the Liberty Medal:

Photo courtesy of Freefromharm.org

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