Pope Francis Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom from Biden – One America News Network
OAN Staff Abril Elfi
10:27 AM – Monday, January 13, 2025
President Joe Biden has reportedly presented Pope Francis with a Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction.
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On Saturday, the White House made the announcement regarding the award, noting it is the singular Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction that Biden has conferred.
“Pope Francis, your humility and grace are indescribable, and your love for all is unmatched,” Biden shared on X. “As the People’s Pope, you illuminate faith, hope, and love that radiates throughout the globe.”
The White House stated that this award represents the “highest civilian honor” a president can bestow, granted to “individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public, or private efforts.”
The award citation mentioned the Pope’s dedication to “serving the poor” and his Jesuit background as qualifications for the honor. He is notably the first pope to be part of the Society of Jesus.
“A challenging educator, he inspires us to advocate for peace and safeguard the planet,” the citation noted. “An inclusive leader, he reaches out to diverse faiths. The first pope from the Southern Hemisphere, Pope Francis is unlike any before him. Above all, he is the People’s Pope — a beacon of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world.”
According to the White House, Biden expressed his disappointment for canceling his visit to the Holy See, choosing instead to concentrate on the devastating fires occurring in Los Angeles County and nearby regions.
The two leaders also reportedly “discussed initiatives to promote peace globally, including Pope Francis’ efforts to reduce suffering for at-risk populations.”
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