Official statements from the White House or Vatican

In Final Days, Biden Awards Pope Francis Highest Honor After Canceling Vatican Visit

Jan 11, 2025, 09:20 PM

President Joe Biden, in his final days in office, has awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, the highest civilian honor in the United States. The White House announced the honor on Saturday after Biden canceled a planned trip to the Vatican due to severe wildfires in California. In a statement, Biden praised Pope Francis as 'a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world,' adding, 'Your humility and your grace are beyond words, and your love for all is unparalleled.' This marks the first time during his presidency that Biden has bestowed the medal with distinction. Pope Francis joins previous recipients including Popes John XXIII and John Paul II.