In a historic gesture, outgoing President Joe biden bestowed Pope Francis with the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, the highest civilian honor in the United States. This recognition underscores the Pope’s tireless efforts in promoting peace, safeguarding children, and advocating for environmental stewardship.
Originally, Biden’s visit to the Vatican was set for January 10, but unexpected circumstances—wildfires raging in Los Angeles—forced the cancellation of his European trip. Rather, on January 11, the President opted for a phone call to inform the Holy Father of the prestigious award. This wasn’t their first conversation; just weeks earlier,on December 20,the two leaders had discussed pressing human rights issues,particularly the plight of those facing death sentences in U.S. prisons. That dialog led to Biden’s decision to halt executions for 37 prisoners, a move that echoed the Pope’s compassionate advocacy.
The White House later affirmed, “President Biden thanks the Pope for his continued contributions to the relief of global suffering, including his work in promoting human rights and defending religious freedoms.” These sentiments solidified the Pope as a deserving recipient of the medal. Interestingly, just a week prior, 19 other notable figures from politics and the arts where awarded the same honor for their notable contributions to U.S. prosperity, global peace, and societal progress.
In the official citation for the medal, we read: “As a young man, Jorge Bergoglio was about to start a career as a scientist before his faith led him to life in the Jesuit order. For several decades, he served the weak and the voiceless throughout Argentina. As Pope Francis, he has never stopped his mission of serving the poor. He is a loving shepherd, happily answers children’s questions about God, is an encouraging teacher, tells us to fight for peace and protect the planet. He is an approachable leader who appeals to different faiths. As the first pope from the southern hemisphere, Pope francis is different from all the other popes who have come before him. Above all, he is the pope of the people: the light of faith, hope and love that shines intensely throughout the world.”
Biden, unable to present the medal in person, entrusted it to the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Christophe Pierre. A photograph of this moment was shared on the president’s X @Potus account, accompanied by Biden’s heartfelt words: “Pope Francis, Yoru humility and goodness are indescribable and your love for everyone is unmatched. As the Pope of the people, you are the light of faith, hope and love that shines throughout the world. Today I had the honor of awarding His Holiness Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom for excellence.”
This isn’t the first time a Pope has been honored by a U.S. president.on june 4,2004,President George W. bush awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Pope John Paul II during his Vatican visit. This tradition highlights the deep respect and shared values between the United States and the Vatican.
