Biden awards Pope Francis the Medal of Freedom, the highest American civilian award, by Reuters

Written by Andrea Shalal

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with Pope Francis on Saturday and awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, the nation’s highest civilian honor, the White House said.

She added that this is the first time during his four years in office that Biden has been awarded the medal “with distinction.”

Biden (82 years old) leaves office on January 20. To oversee the federal response to the fires in California, he canceled a trip to Rome this week, where he was scheduled to meet Francis in person.

Biden, a Catholic who has met the pope several times, told reporters on Friday that he was disappointed that the trip was canceled, but felt it was more important to remain in Washington.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant community, public, or private endeavors.

One week ago, Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, chef José Andrés, and environmentalist Jane Goodall, among others.

The White House said Biden spoke by phone with Francis on Saturday and expressed his deep regret for not being able to visit Rome and the Vatican City. She added that the two leaders discussed efforts to promote peace around the world, including Francis’ work to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable communities.

In his citation of Francis, who was born Jorge Bergoglio in Argentina, Biden praised the religious leader’s life of serving “the voiceless and the powerless throughout Argentina” and his lifelong service to the poor.

“He is a loving pastor, who happily answers children’s questions about God. He is a challenging teacher, commanding us to fight for peace and protect the planet,” Biden wrote.

“Pope Francis, the first pope from the Southern Hemisphere, is unlike any pope before him. Above all, he is the people’s pope – a light of faith, hope and love that shines brightly around the world.”

Global events have weakened both Biden and Francis, said Massimo Fagioli, an Italian academic and Villanova University professor who follows the papacy.

“It’s really hard to understate how tragic this moment is for both men in different ways,” he said. “Because what could go wrong has gone wrong in these few years.”

Francis called for an end to Russia’s war with Ukraine and criticized the Israeli military campaign against the Palestinian Hamas movement. Both conflicts are ongoing.

Biden, 82, who regularly attends Mass, departed from church doctrine later in life by supporting abortion rights. In 2021, he said Francis defended him from criticism from some American Catholics over the issue, including several bishops.

Francis, 88, has sought to open the church to the modern world since he took over its presidency in 2013. He has drawn criticism from some American Catholics who consider him too liberal.