Biden awards Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Pope Francis meets with U.S. President Joe Biden during the G7 Leaders Summit on June 14, 2024 in Fasano, Italy. (Photo by Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)
President Joe Biden has awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction. It’s the highest civilian honor given by the president.
"Pope Francis is unlike any who came before," the White House said in the announcement. "Above all, he is the People’s Pope – a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world."
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Biden was scheduled to present the medal to the pope in person on Saturday in Rome, but Biden canceled his travel plans so he could monitor the wildfires in California. It would’ve been his last overseas trip as president.
Biden instead gave the award to Pope Francis over the phone.
It's the only time Biden has presented the honor with distinction during his presidency.
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Biden himself is a recipient of the award with distinction, recognized when he was vice president by then-President Barack Obama in a surprise ceremony eight years ago. That was the only time in Obama's two terms when he awarded that version of the medal.
The citation for the pope says "his mission of serving the poor has never ceased. A loving pastor, he joyfully answers children’s questions about God. A challenging teacher, he commands us to fight for peace and protect the planet. A welcoming leader, he reaches out to different faiths."