President Joe Biden awarded Pope Francis with the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction, the highest civilian award given by the president. Biden praised the pontiff as 'a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world.'
The award was to be presented in person during Biden's final overseas trip of his presidency, but he canceled his travel plans to monitor the wildfires in California. Instead, the award was bestowed during a phone call between Biden and the pope, where they also discussed global peace efforts and humanitarian initiatives.
This marks the first time Biden has presented the honor with distinction during his presidency. The citation for the pope highlighted his unwavering commitment to serving the poor, his role as a compassionate pastor, a thought-provoking teacher advocating for peace, and a unifying leader engaging with various faiths.
Biden, who is set to leave office on January 20, has been recognizing notable individuals, including supporters and allies, with honors in recent weeks. The Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction was previously awarded to Biden himself by former President Barack Obama during his vice presidency.
