President Joe Biden awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction, the nation’s highest civilian honor, during a phone call Saturday. Biden praised the pontiff as a “light of faith, hope, and love” and lauded his efforts to serve the poor, promote peace, and protect the planet. The president had planned to present the medal in Rome but canceled his trip to monitor California wildfires.
This marks the only time Biden has granted the medal with distinction during his presidency. Biden himself received the honor with distinction from President Obama in 2017.
Pope Francis expressed sorrow over the wildfires near Los Angeles, offering prayers for victims and emergency workers through Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
As Biden nears the end of his presidency on Jan. 20, he has honored several prominent figures in recent weeks.
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