Biden Awards Pope Francis the Highest U.S. Civilian Honor
President Joe Biden has presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction to His Holiness, Pope Francis. The White House announced this award, the highest civilian honour in the United States, following a conversation between Biden and the Pope.
In a statement released on Saturday, the White House explained that the honour is bestowed on individuals who have made outstanding contributions to US values, world peace, or other significant societal efforts.
The White House noted, “The Nation’s highest civilian honour is presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public, or private endeavours.”
Officials emphasized that this marks the first time President Biden has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction.
The citation accompanying the award highlights Pope Francis’s remarkable journey. It states:
“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.”
The Pope is described as “a loving pastor” who responds “joyfully” to children’s questions about God and “a challenging teacher” who “commands us to fight for peace and protect the planet.”
Additionally, the statement celebrates him as “a welcoming leader” who builds bridges with different faiths and highlights his historic position as the first pope from the Southern Hemisphere.
It concludes with praise for his global impact, stating, “Above all, he is the People’s Pope, a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world.”
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White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre explained that President Biden cancelled his planned trip to Italy due to the ongoing wildfire crisis in Los Angeles.
She stated, “The President made the decision to cancel his upcoming trip to Italy to remain focused on directing the full federal response in the days ahead.”
Jean-Pierre did not confirm whether the visit would be rescheduled before the end of Biden’s term on January 20, adding that updates would be provided later.
Biden, the first Roman Catholic U.S. president since John F. Kennedy, had originally planned to leave for Italy on Thursday night to meet Pope Francis by the weekend. His presidency has occasionally faced disagreements with U.S. Catholic Church leaders, particularly over his strong support for abortion rights.
Content Credit| Igbakuma Rita Doom
Picture Credit | https://www.vaticannews.va/
