On Saturday, US President Joe Biden called Pope Francis to present him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the highest honor a civilian can receive in the United States. This special moment marked the first time Biden awarded the medal with distinction during his presidency.
Biden, who has been a lifelong Catholic, was supposed to visit the pope in Rome this week. However, due to the ongoing fires in California, he decided to stay in Washington to manage the federal response. Although he was disappointed about canceling his trip, Biden believed it was more important to stay home during this critical time.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the country, world peace, or society. Just one week ago, Biden awarded the medal to other notable figures like former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and famous chef Jose Andres.
During the phone call, Biden expressed his regret to Pope Francis that he couldn’t visit Rome and the Vatican City. The two leaders discussed global peace efforts, and Pope Francis’ work to help vulnerable people around the world.
In his message to Pope Francis, Biden praised the pope for his lifelong service to the poor and those in need. He described him as a “loving pastor” who always makes time to help others, and as a “challenging teacher” who encourages people to fight for peace and protect the planet.
Pope Francis, the first pope from the Southern Hemisphere, is also known as the “People’s Pope” because of his deep compassion for everyday people around the world.
Both Biden and Pope Francis have faced difficult challenges in recent years, dealing with ongoing global conflicts like the war in Ukraine and the situation between Israel and Hamas. Despite these challenges, both men continue to work for peace and justice.
Biden and Pope Francis share a bond, and despite some differences in their views, including Biden’s stance on abortion rights, they continue to support each other’s efforts to create a better world.
