The Biden administration has given the nation’s highest civilian honor to Pope Francis. Joe Biden gave the Pontiff the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, after a recent conversation between the president and the Pope. This is the only time Biden has been awarded the medal with distinction. Biden had initially intended to travel to Rome this week but canceled the trip after the California fires.
The Distinction is a component of “the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.” The award refers to him as “a loving pastor” and “a challenging teacher” who “commands us to fight for peace and protect the planet.”
The official citation reads “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 letter also calls the Pope a “a welcoming leader” who “reaches out to different faiths,”
The Biden admin drew attention to the significance of his position as “the first pope from the Southern Hemisphere.” “Above all, he is the People’s Pope — a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world,” the statement concluded. Normally these recognitions center around a ceremony at the Whitehouse, but no details have been revealed.
Karine Jean-Pierre said that after the President came back from California, he decided to cancel his upcoming trip to Italy to remain focused on directing the full federal response in the days ahead.” She did not indicate if the trip would be rescheduled before the end of Biden’s presidential term on Jan. 20. She indicated the regime would provide additional details soon.
At the time initial plans were announced, we reported Biden and the Pope would “discuss efforts to advance peace around the world.” She said the President intends to use his last conversation with Meloni to “discuss important challenges facing the world” and to commend her for Italy’s leadership as the country winds up its yearlong, rotating presidency at the Group of Seven.
Biden spoke with the Pope on a phone call Thursday where Francis invited the President to visit the Vatican. In a statement, the Whitehouse said “The President thanked the Pope for his continued advocacy to alleviate global suffering, including his work to advance human rights and protect religious freedoms.” Biden, who describes himself as a Roman Catholic, last met privately with Francis earlier this year while in Italy for the G7 leaders meeting.
Joe Biden is the first Catholic president since John F. Kennedy. He has clashed with American Catholic officials over his strong commitment to abortion. In 2021, he received communion at St. Patrick’s Church in Rome shortly after Francis called him “a good Catholic. Many Catholics have called for Biden to be banned from communion citing the Church’s laws which state those “obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to Holy Communion.”