Pope Francis Receives Distinguished Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Biden

During a visit to Corsica, Pope Francis greeted the faithful, and was later honored by President Biden with the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom, an award that reflects exceptional achievements in civilian life.

On Saturday, the Pope was formally awarded the United States' most esteemed civilian accolade, heightened by being bestowed the version 'with distinction'.

White House Acknowledgment

In an official message, the White House lauded Pope Francis for his dedicated service to the impoverished, his advocacy for global peace, and his passion for environmental protection.

The statement praised him as an inspiring pastor who engages with children about divine matters, a teacher urging conservation of the Earth, and a leader extending a hand to diverse faith communities. As the inaugural pope from the Southern Hemisphere, the White House conveyed, Francis is unparalleled in papal history.

The statement concluded by naming him 'The People’s Pope', a beacon of faith, love, and hope worldwide.

Biden's Connection to the Pope

Though only the second Catholic president, Biden distinctly highlights his religious convictions, unlike his predecessor John F. Kennedy.

The President and Pope Francis have cultivated a warm relationship over many years, dating back to Biden’s tenure as Vice President. Their interactions include times when Biden frequently references the Pope in public discourses.

In 2015, during a noteworthy congressional address, Pope Francis, surrounded by Vice President Biden and Speaker John Boehner, greeted onlookers from a balcony on Capitol Hill.

Biden and Pope's Shared Priorities

Despite differing stances on topics like abortion—where Biden's policies have conflicted with Catholic doctrine—the Pope and the President have extensively dialogued on mutual concerns such as climate change and combating nationalism.

While Biden's planned visit to the Vatican was postponed, he spoke with Francis over the phone to commend his efforts in fostering global peace and aiding vulnerable groups.

Historical Recognition of the Pope

He joins the ranks of popes who have previously been honored with the medal, following John XXIII in 1963 by President Johnson, and John Paul II in 2004 by President Bush.

Presidential Recognitions

Alongside Pope Francis, Biden also recognized notable figures with the Medal of Freedom, including Hillary Clinton, Michael J. Fox, Denzel Washington, Lionel Messi, Jane Goodall, and Bill Nye, acknowledging their outstanding contributions across various fields.