President Joe Biden awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction, the United States’ highest civilian honor, during a phone call on Saturday. Biden praised the pontiff as a “light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world.”
Originally, Biden planned to travel to Rome this weekend to present the award in person. However, he canceled his trip to focus on monitoring the devastating wildfires in California.
The White House stated that during the call, Biden and Pope Francis discussed global efforts to promote peace and alleviate human suffering. The Pope also expressed his sorrow over the wildfires in Los Angeles and neighboring areas.
In a message conveyed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, Francis shared his “spiritual closeness” with the victims, mourning the loss of life and property. He also offered prayers for the emergency response teams and imparted his blessings as a source of comfort and strength during the crisis.
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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.
