President Biden honored Pope Francis with Presidential Medal of Freedom by contrast, the highest human award given by the president, on Saturday, saying the pope is “a beacon of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly throughout the world.”
Mr. Biden was expected to head to Rome this weekend to personally present the medal to Francis, but canceled what would have been his last overseas trip as president so he could monitor wildfires in California.
The White House said that Biden gave the award to the pope during a phone call where they discussed efforts to promote peace and end suffering around the world.
Kevin Lamarque / AP
It is the only time that Mr. Biden presented the honor of being honored during his presidency. Mr. Biden himself won the award with distinction, which was recognized when he was vice president by then-President Barack Obama in an unexpected ceremony eight years ago. It was the only time in Obama’s two terms that he awarded that type of award.
The pope’s quote says “his work to serve the poor has never ended. A loving teacher, he happily answers children’s questions about God. A challenging teacher, he commands us to fight for peace and protect the world. A welcoming leader, he reaches out to different religions.”
Francis expressed his sadness on Saturday about the ongoing wildfires in and around Los Angeles.
“Saddened by the deaths and widespread destruction caused by the fires near Los Angeles,” Francis expressed his “spiritual closeness” to the victims, Vatican No. 2, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, speaking by telephone.
“He also prays for the efforts to help the emergency workers and conveys his blessing to all as a promise of comfort and strength to the Lord,” said Parolin.
Mr. Biden is preparing to leave office on January 20th and has already done so he gave out medals to key people, including supporters and allies, in recent weeks.
