Last Saturday, the White House announced that President Biden has awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction to Pope Francis. The Citation reads:
As a young man, Jorge Bergoglio sought a career in science before faith led him to a life with the Jesuits. For decades, he served the voiceless and vulnerable across Argentina. As Pope Francis, his mission of serving the poor has never ceased. 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. A welcoming leader, he reaches out to different faiths. The first pope from the Southern Hemisphere, Pope Francis is unlike any who came before. Above all, he is the People’s Pope – a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world.
Earlier this month, Biden awarded the Medal of Freedom to 19 other individuals at a White House ceremony. The award to Pope Francis is the first time that President Biden has awarded the medal "with Distinction". CBS News, reporting on the award, said in part:
Mr. Biden was scheduled to travel to Rome this weekend and present the medal to Francis in person, but he canceled what would have been his final overseas trip as president so he could monitor the wildfires in California.
