President Biden Honors Pope Francis with Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction

The outgoing U.S. president recognizes the pontiff's global contributions to peace, poverty alleviation, and interfaith dialogue in a rare award presentation.

Pope Francis received the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, the highest U.S. civilian honor, during a phone call with President Biden on January 11, 2025.
This is the only time President Biden has awarded the medal with distinction during his presidency, an honor he previously received from President Obama in 2017.
Biden canceled a planned trip to Rome, where he intended to present the medal in person, to oversee federal responses to devastating wildfires in California.
The White House cited Pope Francis' lifelong mission of serving the poor, fostering peace, and advocating for environmental protection as reasons for the award.
The recognition comes as Biden prepares to leave office, marking a notable moment in his tenure as the second Catholic U.S. president.