Biden Awards Medal of Freedom with Distinction to Pope Francis

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.

Two Religious Figures Among Recipients Of Presidential Medal of Freedom

Yesterday at the White House, President Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 17 individuals. (List of all recipients). Among the recipients were: (1)  Sister Simone Campbell, a member of the Sisters of Social Service and former Executive Director of NETWORK, a Catholic social justice organization; and (2) Father Alexander Karloutsos, former Vicar General of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and counselor to several U.S. Presidents. 

Sister Campbell gained national attention in  2010 as author of the "nun's letter" in support of health care reform legislation, while the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops opposed the bill.

Clergyman Among Recipients of Presidential Medal of Freedom

In a ceremony at the White House yesterday, President Obama awarded Presidential Medals of Freedom to 16 individuals, including one member of the clergy-- Cordy Tindell "C.T." Vivian. (White House press release.) (Full text of President's remarks at the ceremony.) Vivian was a civil rights leader and friend of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He participated in Freedom Rides and sit-ins around the country, and went on to found various civil rights organizations.  Religion News Service has more.