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In the final days of his presidency, President Joe Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction upon Pope Francis, marking a significant moment of recognition. The honor, the highest civilian award in the U.S., was granted to the Pope just before Biden left the White House.
Biden, the second Catholic president in U.S. history, personally informed Pope Francis of the prestigious award in a phone conversation on Saturday.
The White House shared a photo of Biden in the Oval Office holding the medal. Though Biden had originally planned a trip to Rome for a final foreign visit, including a meeting with the Pope and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the trip was canceled due to devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
The Pope is the only individual Biden has presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction to during his presidency. His original plan was to travel to Italy to meet with Pope Francis as well as Meloni.
Instead, the award was presented remotely, underscoring the president’s deep respect for the Pope and their longstanding relationship.
In honoring Pope Francis, the White House praised him as "the People’s Pope," highlighting his role as a beacon of faith, hope, and love to people worldwide. The award also reflects the bond between the two leaders, who share a mutual respect despite differences on certain issues, particularly the church’s teachings on abortion.
The two men have met several times during Biden’s presidency, with their relationship strengthening over the years. In June, Biden met with the Pope while attending the G7 summit in Italy.
Their relationship has been notably close, especially as Biden faced scrutiny from conservative Catholic bishops regarding his pro-abortion rights stance.
In 2021, when some bishops were discussing whether Biden should be denied communion, the Pope assured him that he should continue to receive the sacrament.
Their bond goes back even further, as Biden recalls the Pope’s visit to Washington, D.C., in 2015, during his time as vice president. During that visit, the Pope spoke with Biden about the death of his son, Beau, offering support in a deeply personal moment.
Biden’s decision to award the Pope with the Presidential Medal of Freedom symbolizes not only their close relationship but also the President’s admiration for the Pope’s unwavering commitment to social justice, compassion, and global peace.
