U.S. President Joe Biden has awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction to Pope Francis, recognizing the pontiff’s global leadership and decades of service to the marginalized.
The honor, the nation’s highest civilian award, is rarely given with distinction and highlights exceptional contributions to world peace and societal advancement.
In a statement, the White House praised Pope Francis as “the People’s Pope” and a beacon of hope and compassion.
“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 statement read.
This is the first time Biden, himself a devout Catholic, has presented the medal with distinction. During a call with the pope, the president acknowledged his leadership on global issues, including poverty, interfaith dialogue, and environmental stewardship.
“As a young man, Jorge Bergoglio sought a career in science before faith led him to a life with the Jesuits. For decades, he served the voiceless and vulnerable across Argentina. As Pope Francis, his mission of serving the poor has never ceased,” the White House noted.
The citation emphasized the pope’s efforts to promote peace and protect the planet, calling him “a challenging teacher” and “a welcoming leader” who reaches out to people of all faiths.
The recognition comes amidst shared concerns between the Biden administration and the Vatican over global crises.
The two leaders last met during the G7 Summit in Italy, where they discussed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, climate change, and global peace initiatives.
