Biden bestowed him with the award.
President Joe Biden has bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction upon Pope Francis, the U.S.’s highest civilian honor. This award, announced after a conversation between the president and the pope, recognizes those who have made extraordinary contributions to society, advancing U.S. values, prosperity, security, and global peace.
The citation highlights Pope Francis’ lifelong commitment to aiding the poor and vulnerable, a mission that began in his native Argentina. It also acknowledges his transition from aspiring to a career in science to dedicating his life to faith and the Jesuit order. As pope, his focus has remained on helping marginalized communities, promoting peace, and tackling pressing issues like climate change.
Beyond his humanitarian work, Pope Francis is admired for his accessible leadership, his joyful interactions with children, and his efforts to foster global cooperation across religious lines. As the first pope from the Southern Hemisphere, he holds a unique position within the Church and has actively worked to bridge divides between faiths. The White House described him as “the People’s Pope,” a symbol of hope, faith, and love for countless individuals worldwide.
This marks the first time Biden has awarded the Medal of Freedom with Distinction. Details about a formal White House ceremony to present the honor have not yet been released. Biden had initially planned to visit Rome to meet Pope Francis, but canceled the trip due to wildfires in Los Angeles. It remains unclear if the visit will be rescheduled.
While Biden and Pope Francis share mutual respect, Biden’s pro-abortion views have caused friction with some members of the U.S. Catholic leadership. In 2021, despite these differences, Pope Francis referred to Biden as “a good Catholic,” even as debates over the eligibility of pro-abortion politicians for communion continue. The pope has also faced criticism for his progressive stances, such as his 2023 invitation to transgender individuals for a luncheon at the Vatican.