Dalai Lama to Visit Philly in October

Hot on the heels of the Pope’s much-touted visit to Philadelphia in September will come the arrival of another prominent world leader… the Dalai Lama, who will be honored with the prestigious Liberty Medal in late October. The announcement was made this morning.

The Dalai Lama is being recognized for his compassion and commitment to promoting human rights around the globe. In announcing the honor, National Constitution Center CEO Jeffrey Rosen mentioned that the leader has “emphasized the ideals of freedom, dialogue and tolerance.”

The Dalai Lama will be honored with the Liberty Medal.

The Dalai Lama has said that he is honored to be receiving the award. He released a statement on the occasion. “I am delighted as a recipient to be in the company of so many other inspirational leaders. I have made it my life’s work to spread the message of kindness and compassion and I can think of no better place to be recognized than in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection,” said the Dalai Lama.

Former recipients of the Liberty Medal include Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, Hilary Clinton, and rock musician Bono. It is awarded annually by the Constitution Center to those who work towards spreading liberty around the globe. The award comes with a $100,000 cash prize.

The Dalai Lama is a spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, believed to be the reincarnation of the Bodhisattva of Compassion. The current Dalai Lama has reigned since 1950. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. He has lived in India due to political exile from Tibet since 1959.