In a significant gesture of appreciation, President Joe Biden has awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, the highest civilian honor in the United States. Describing the pontiff as “a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world,” the recognition highlights the pope’s global influence and his unwavering commitment to serving humanity.
The White House announced that the award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal endeavors. This marks the first time in his presidency that Biden, 82, has presented the medal with distinction.
Initially, Biden planned to present the award in person during a visit to Rome, which was to be his final overseas trip in office. However, the trip was canceled as Biden chose to monitor the ongoing wildfires in California. Instead, the honor was conferred during a phone call where Biden and Pope Francis also discussed global efforts to promote peace and alleviate suffering.
This recognition carries personal significance for Biden, who himself received the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction during a surprise ceremony in 2017 by then-President Barack Obama. It was the sole instance during Obama’s tenure that the award was presented with such distinction.
The citation for Pope Francis highlights his dedication to service, noting, “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.”
As Biden’s presidency draws to a close, he has honored various prominent figures in recent weeks. Historical records show that Biden has awarded the fewest Presidential Medals of Freedom among recent presidents, with a total of 19 during his term. In comparison, Barack Obama awarded the highest number, with 118 during his presidency.
