In a historic gesture, President Biden honors Pope Francis for his global contributions to faith, hope, and humanity before leaving the White House.
Washington DC [US], January 12: Days before leaving office, US President Joe Biden awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, recognizing the Pope’s profound contributions to global faith, peace, and humanity.
Biden’s Tribute to “The People’s Pope”
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), President Biden shared heartfelt words about Pope Francis, calling him the “People’s Pope.”
“Pope Francis, your humility and your grace are beyond words, and your love for all is unparalleled. As the People’s Pope, you are a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world,” Biden posted.
A Historic Honor
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor in the United States, awarded to individuals who make “exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or significant societal endeavors.”
This marks the first time during Biden’s presidency that he has conferred the Medal with Distinction, the highest level of the award.
Planned Visit to Rome Canceled
Biden, only the second Catholic US President in history, originally planned to travel to Rome to meet Pope Francis and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. However, he canceled the trip due to the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles.
The two leaders had last met during the G7 summit in Italy in June and previously in October 2021, amid discussions about Biden’s eligibility to receive communion due to his pro-abortion rights stance.
White House Statement
The White House issued a statement acknowledging Pope Francis’ monumental role in advancing world peace, values, and unity. It noted that the Pope’s leadership embodies humility, love, and faith, resonating with millions globally.
A Legacy of Faith and Compassion
As Biden prepares to leave office, the conferral of the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Pope Francis symbolizes a shared commitment to fostering unity, hope, and understanding across diverse communities worldwide.
This recognition serves as a testament to the Pope’s enduring influence and Biden’s efforts to honor global figures making a difference.