President Biden awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Saturday, bestowing one of the nation's highest honors on the man he called “the people's Pope.”
Mr. Biden told It shines brightly inside.”
Biden praised the Pope over the weekend, when he was scheduled to meet with him in person at the Holy See. However, the president canceled a three-day trip to Italy to coordinate the federal response to the wildfires raging in Los Angeles, according to a White House statement.
Instead of the usual ceremony where the president hangs the award around the recipient's neck, Biden posted an image to X of military aides presenting the medals from the Oval Office. The White House announced the honor after Biden met with Pope Francis on Saturday and was informed of the award.
It was the first time during Biden's term that a more prestigious medal was awarded “with honor.” Biden received the award from President Barack Obama in 2017. Other recipients include Pope John Paul II and Colin L. Powell.
Mr. Biden, a Catholic, considers Pope Francis a admired ally on the world stage and has relied on him as a confidant, and the pope has encouraged Mr. Biden to use his presidential powers in the final weeks of his term.
Last month, Pope Francis called Biden and asked him to commute the sentences of federal death row inmates. Days later, Mr. Biden used his pardon power to ease their sentences, making parole life in prison and saving their lives.
A quote included in the White House's award announcement said that Pope Francis was “unlike anyone who has come before him.”
“His mission to serve the poor never ceased,” the statement said. “A loving pastor who is happy to answer children's questions about God. A challenging teacher, he commands us to fight for peace and protect the earth. Welcoming As a leader, he reaches out to different faiths.”
Biden bestowed the honor just days after awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 18 political, business and celebrity leaders.
