Biden awards Pope Francis with highest civilian honor, Medal of Freedom, over the phone

President Joe Biden made a historic move on Saturday by awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction to Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church. Originally planned to be presented in person during Biden’s final overseas trip of his presidency, the medal was instead bestowed upon the pope during a phone call due to Biden’s need to monitor the wildfires in California.

During the call, Biden and Pope Francis discussed their shared commitment to promoting peace and alleviating suffering across the globe. A statement from the White House described Pope Francis as the “People’s Pope,” highlighting his role as a beacon of faith, hope, and love for people worldwide.

This marked the first time during Biden’s presidency that he awarded the medal “with distinction.” The decision to honor Pope Francis in this way reflects Biden’s deep respect for the pontiff and his efforts to address global challenges.

Both Biden and Pope Francis have faced significant challenges in recent years, according to Massimo Faggioli, an expert on the papacy. The convergence of global events has tested their leadership, making this moment a particularly poignant one for both men.

Pope Francis, known for his efforts to modernize the Catholic Church, has faced criticism from some within the Church for his progressive stances on issues like abortion. Despite these challenges, he remains a beloved figure for many Catholics around the world.

As Biden prepares to leave office on January 20, this gesture of awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction to Pope Francis serves as a powerful symbol of the bond between the U.S. and the Vatican. Both leaders share a commitment to compassion, justice, and a better world for all.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.

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