President Biden honored Pope Francis with an order Presidential Medal of Freedom with the honor, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the president on Saturday, saying the pontiff was “a light of faith, hope and love that shines brightly throughout the world.”
Mr. Biden was supposed to go to Rome this weekend and present the medal to Francis in person, but he canceled his last trip abroad as president so he could monitor wildfires in California.
The White House said Biden presented the award to the pope during a phone call during which they also discussed efforts to promote peace and alleviate suffering around the world.
Kevin Lamarck/AP
It is the only time Mr. Biden has received this honor with distinction during his presidency. Mr. Biden himself is a recipient of the honor, which was recognized when he was vice president by then-President Barack Obama in a surprise ceremony eight years ago. It was the only time in Obama's two terms that he awarded this version of the medal.
The quote for dad says that “his mission to serve the poor has never stopped. A loving pastor, he joyfully answers children's questions about God. A challenging teacher, he commands us to fight for peace and protect the planet. An amiable leader, he appeals to different faiths.”
On Saturday, Francis expressed sadness over the ongoing wildfires in and around Los Angeles.
“Saddened by the loss of life and widespread destruction caused by the fires near Los Angeles,” Francis expressed his “spiritual closeness” to the victims, Vatican Cardinal No. 2 Pietro Paralin noted in a telegram.
“He also prays for the relief efforts of emergency personnel and gives his blessing to all as a pledge of comfort and strength in the Lord,” Parolin said.
Mr. Biden is preparing to leave office on January 20th, and it happened awarded awards to celebrities, including fans and associates, in recent weeks.