WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Saturday honored Pope Francis with the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction, the very best civilian award given by the president, saying the pontiff was “a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world.”
Biden had been scheduled to current the medal to the pope in individual on Saturday in Rome on what was to be the ultimate abroad journey of his presidency, however Biden canceled his journey plans so he may monitor the wildfires in California.
The White Home mentioned Biden bestowed the award to the pope throughout a cellphone name by which in addition they mentioned efforts to alleviate struggling all over the world.
It’s the one time Biden has offered the distinction with distinction throughout his presidency.
Biden himself is a recipient of the award with distinction, acknowledged when he was vp by then-President Barack Obama in a shock ceremony eight years in the past. That was the one time in Obama’s two phrases when he awarded that model of the medal.
The quotation for the pope says “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.”
Biden is making ready to depart workplace Jan. 20 and has doled out honors to outstanding people, together with supporters and allies, in current weeks.