On January 11, 2025, President Joe Biden awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, the highest civilian honor in the United States, during a phone call.
The White House confirmed that this marked the first time Biden has conferred the distinction as president.
The medal, created in 1963, recognizes individuals for significant contributions to world peace, societal values or US security. According to the White House, Pope Francis was honored for his “relentless dedication to serving the poor, promoting world peace, and advocating for environmental stewardship.”
Originally, Biden was scheduled to present the medal during an audience at the Vatican on January 10, but ongoing wildfires in California forced him to cancel his trip. The honor was instead conveyed virtually, with the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, receiving the medal on the pope’s behalf.
Pope Francis, the first pontiff from the Southern Hemisphere, was lauded by the White House for his outreach to marginalized communities and his efforts for inter-religious dialogue. The statement described him as “a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world.”
In his remarks, Biden highlighted the pope’s leadership, calling him a “People’s Pope” whose work transcends borders.
Vatican officials have not yet issued a public response.
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