President Biden honored Pope Francis with the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction, the best civilian award given by the president, on Saturday, saying the pontiff was a “gentle of religion, hope, and love that shines brightly internationally.”
Mr. Biden was scheduled to journey to Rome this weekend and current the medal to Francis in particular person, however he canceled what would have been his final overseas trip as president so he might monitor the wildfires in California.
The White Home mentioned Biden bestowed the award to the pope throughout a cellphone name during which additionally they mentioned efforts to advertise peace and alleviate struggling around the globe.
Kevin Lamarque / AP
It is the one time Mr. Biden has introduced the respect with distinction throughout his presidency. Mr. 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 citation for the pope says “his mission of serving the poor has by no means ceased. A loving pastor, he joyfully solutions youngsters’s questions on God. A difficult trainer, he instructions us to battle for peace and shield the planet. A welcoming chief, he reaches out to totally different faiths.”
Francis expressed his unhappiness on Saturday over the continued wildfires in and round Los Angeles.
“Saddened by the lack of life and the widespread destruction brought on by the fires close to Los Angeles,” Francis expressed his “non secular closeness” with the victims, Vatican No. 2, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, mentioned in a telegram.
“He likewise prays for the aid efforts of the emergency companies personnel and imparts his blessing to all as a pledge of comfort and power within the Lord,” Parolin mentioned.
Mr. Biden is making ready to go away workplace on Jan. 20 and has doled out honors to distinguished people, together with supporters and allies, in latest weeks.
