 "Biden awards Pope Francis Presidential medal of freedom with distinction ( via AP, File)")
The outgoing US President, Joe Biden, awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction, the White House announced on Saturday.
The White House said Biden was meant to give the top civilian honour in person in Rome during his final overseas trip as president, the Associated Press reported. Biden’s visit was cancelled because he had to monitor and oversee the massive wildfires in California.
“The first pope from the Southern Hemisphere, Pope Francis is unlike any who came before. Above all, he is the People’s Pope — a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world,” the White House said in a statement.
President Biden spoke with the Pope and informed him about the award. The two leaders “discussed global peace efforts, including Pope Francis’ dedication to easing the suffering of vulnerable communities,” the White House said.
Biden wrote on the social media platform X, “Pope Francis, your humility and your grace are beyond words, and your love for all is unparalleled. Today, it was my honour to award His Holiness Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction.”
The two last met in June last year at the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Italy’s Apulia.
Biden Honours 19 Others With Presidential Medal
Last week, President Biden awarded the Medal of Freedom to 19 individuals from various fields. However, this marks the first time in four years that he has presented the award with distinction.
Other recent notable recipients of the nation’s highest civilian honour include Hillary Clinton, George Soros, Lionel Messi, Ralph Lauren, Anna Wintour, and Denzel Washington.
Biden will officially leave the presidency on January 20, as president-elect Donald Trump assumes office. During his time as vice president in former US President Barack Obama’s administration, Biden himself was awarded the US Medal of Freedom.