Pope Francis met with US President Joe Biden at the Vatican on October 29, 2021.
Vatican Media | Reuters
President Joe Biden granted Pope Francis The White House announced Saturday that Trump has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction, the first time the honor has been awarded by a president during his term.
“Pope Francis is the first pope in the Southern Hemisphere, and he is unlike any pope before him,” the White House wrote in a statement. “Above all, he is a pope of people — of faith, of hope. And the light of love shines all over the world.”
The White House also said Biden spoke with the pope this morning to tell him about the award.
The White House said the two also “discussed efforts to promote world peace, including Pope Francis’ work to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable populations.”
Biden also tweeted, “Pope Francis, your humility and grace are beyond words and your love for all people is unparalleled.”
The award comes after Biden was forced to cancel a trip to the Vatican this weekend because he was staying to monitor the devastating wildfires in California.
The two last met in June, when Biden attended the Group of Seven leaders’ summit in Puglia, Italy. At the time, the two talked about the ongoing war in Ukraine and Gaza.
exist statement at the time, The Vatican said: “The leaders stressed the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and a hostage agreement to return the hostages home and resolve the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. President Biden thanked Pope Francis for his efforts to address the humanitarian impact of Russia’s war work on Ukraine’s aggression, including his efforts to help abducted Ukrainian children return to their families.
This is not only the first Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded with merit by Biden, but also the first Medal of Freedom awarded with merit since the president was elected. barack obama One was awarded to then-Vice President Biden.
Biden is second roman catholic President-elect. John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, was the first.
