On Saturday, US President Joe Biden presented Pope Francis with the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, the United States’ highest civilian award. About this informs official website of the White House.
President Biden called Pope Francis “a light of faith, hope and love that shines brightly throughout the world.” The award was scheduled to be presented in person during a meeting in Rome, but due to large-scale wildfires in California, the president’s schedule was changed. Instead, Biden informed the pontiff of the award during a phone call.
This is the first time Biden has presented this prestigious award during his presidency. Biden himself is also a recipient of the Medal of Freedom, a distinction he received from then-President Barack Obama.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor, awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other important public, government, or private endeavors.
