Biden awards Pope with medal

On 11 January in Rome, US President Joe Biden was scheduled to present the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the Pope. However, due to wildfires in California, his plans were changed. Instead of an in-person ceremony, Biden informed the Pope about the award during a phone call, the White House said.

This marked the first time Biden has presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom while serving as president. 

The award is the highest civilian honour in the United States and is bestowed for significant contributions to the prosperity, safety, or values of the United States, as well as for efforts aimed at maintaining peace and other important public or private initiatives.

“Папа Франциск — это требовательный учитель, который призывает нас бороться за мир и защищать нашу планету. Он открывает диалог между различными вероисповеданиями. Будучи первым Папой из Южного полушария, он существенно отличается от своих предшественников. Папа Франциск прежде всего является народным Папой, чья вера, надежда и любовь освещают мир” (Pope Francis is a demanding teacher who calls on us to fight for peace and protect our planet. He opens up dialogue between different faiths. As the first Pope from the Southern Hemisphere, he is significantly different from his predecessors. Pope Francis is above all a people’s Pope, whose faith, hope, and love illuminate the world), Biden noted in his speech.

It is worth noting that on 4 January, Biden also awarded the Presidential Medal to 19 distinguished individuals, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, renowned chef José Andrés, and famous conservationist Jane Goodall.