US President Joe Biden awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction on Sunday. This honor recognizes the Pope’s remarkable contributions to society and came just days before Biden leaves office.
Biden’s Tribute to the Pope
Biden expressed his admiration for Pope Francis on X (formerly Twitter). He called him the “People’s Pope” and praised his humility and grace. “Your love for all is unparalleled. As the People’s Pope, you are a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world,” Biden wrote.
Presidential Recognition
The White House confirmed the award in a statement. Biden personally spoke to the Pope and named him as a recipient of the United States’ highest civilian honor. This medal is given to individuals who make outstanding contributions to the nation’s values, world peace, or societal progress.
Notably, this was the first time Biden awarded the Medal of Freedom with Distinction during his presidency.
Canceled Rome Visit
Biden originally planned to visit Rome to present the medal in person. However, he canceled the trip due to the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. The Hill reported that Biden had intended to meet both Pope Francis and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during the trip.
Past Meetings
Biden and Pope Francis last met in June during the G7 summit in Italy. They also had an earlier meeting in October 2021 when Catholic bishops debated Biden’s eligibility to receive communion due to his pro-abortion rights stance.
As the second Catholic president in U.S. history, Biden emphasized Pope Francis’ global impact. He described the Pope as a symbol of hope and a guiding light for humanity.
