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Biden awards Pope Francis Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction

U.S. President Joe Biden awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction on January 11, recognizing the pontiff’s lifelong dedication to peace, compassion, and service.

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U.S. President Joe Biden awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction on January 11, recognizing the pontiff’s lifelong dedication to peace, compassion, and service. This marks the first time Biden has bestowed the medal “with distinction” during his presidency.

The White House confirmed that Biden, 82, spoke with Pope Francis via phone, expressing his regret at having to cancel a planned visit to Rome due to the urgent need to oversee the federal response to California’s devastating fires. “I was disappointed to cancel the trip, but felt it was more important to stay in Washington,” Biden told reporters.

Biden, a devout Catholic, praised Pope Francis for his unwavering commitment to the vulnerable, stating, “A loving pastor, he joyfully answers children’s questions about God. A challenging teacher, he commands us to fight for peace and protect the planet.” Biden further lauded Francis as “the People’s Pope,” describing him as a beacon of faith, hope, and love.

During their conversation, the two leaders discussed global peace efforts, including Pope Francis’ work to support suffering communities. The Vatican has been vocal in its calls for an end to conflicts, notably criticizing Russia’s war with Ukraine and Israel’s military actions against Hamas.

This honor comes as Biden nears the end of his term on January 20. In the past week, he also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to notable figures like Hillary Clinton, Jose Andres, and Jane Goodall, recognizing their significant contributions to society.

Despite their shared faith, both leaders have faced criticism. Biden’s support for abortion rights has drawn ire from conservative U.S. Catholics, while Pope Francis’ progressive stance since assuming the papacy in 2013 has been met with resistance from traditionalists within the Church. 

As global challenges persist, both Biden and Pope Francis continue their efforts to promote peace and address humanitarian issues.

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