President Biden Awards Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction to His Holiness Pope Francis | The White HouseSkip to contentThe White HouseThe White House The White House Home AdministrationThe RecordBriefing RoomVisitEspañol InstagramOpens in a new windowFacebookOpens in a new windowXOpens in a new windowYouTubeOpens in a new windowLinkedInOpens in a new windowThreadsOpens in a new windowRedditOpens in a new windowSnapchatOpens in a new window Contact UsPrivacy PolicyCopyright PolicyAccessibility Statement MenuCloseTo search this site, enter a search termSearchMobile Menu OverlayAdministrationShow submenu for “Administration””President Joe BidenVice President Kamala HarrisFirst Lady Dr. Jill BidenSecond Gentleman Douglas EmhoffThe CabinetExecutive OfficesShow submenu for “Executive Offices””Council of Economic AdvisersCouncil on Environmental QualityDomestic Policy CouncilGender Policy CouncilNational Economic CouncilNational Security CouncilNational Space CouncilOffice of Intergovernmental AffairsOffice of Management and BudgetOffice of the National Cyber DirectorOffice of National Drug Control PolicyOffice of Public EngagementOffice of Science and Technology PolicyOffice of the United States Trade RepresentativeClimate Policy OfficePresidential Personnel OfficeThe RecordBriefing RoomThe White HouseShow submenu for “The White House””PresidentsFirst FamiliesThe GroundsOur GovernmentGet InvolvedShow submenu for “Get Involved””Write or Call The White HouseJoin UsWhite House FellowsWhite House Internship ProgramVisitDisclosuresEspañol Contact UsPrivacy PolicyCopyright PolicyAccessibility Statement InstagramOpens in a new windowFacebookOpens in a new windowXOpens in a new windowYouTubeOpens in a new windowLinkedInOpens in a new windowThreadsOpens in a new windowRedditOpens in a new windowSnapchatOpens in a new window The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500 To search this site, enter a search termSearchJanuary 11, 2025 President Biden Awards Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction to His Holiness Pope Francis Home Briefing Room Statements and Releases Today, President Biden spoke with His Holiness Pope Francis and named him as a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors. This is the first time that President Biden has awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction.Citation: As a young man, Jorge Bergoglio sought a career in science before faith led him to a life with the Jesuits. For decades, he served the voiceless and vulnerable across Argentina. As Pope Francis, his mission of serving the poor has never ceased. A loving pastor, he joyfully answers children’s questions about God. A challenging teacher, he commands us to fight for peace and protect the planet. A welcoming leader, he reaches out to different faiths. The first pope from the Southern Hemisphere, Pope Francis is unlike any who came before. Above all, he is the People’s Pope – a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world.### Next Post: Readout of President Joe Biden’s Call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel Readout of President Joe Biden’s Call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel January 12, 2025 •Statements and Releases Next Post Stay ConnectedSign UpEmail Address* RequiredZIP CodePlease leave blank.We'll be in touch with the latest information on how President Biden and his administration are working for the American people, as well as ways you can get involved and help our country build back better. Opt in to send and receive text messages from President Biden. ShareShare this page on FacebookShare this page on Xhttps://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2025/01/11/president-biden-awards-presidential-medal-of-freedom-with-distinction-to-his-holiness-pope-francis/?utm_source=link HomeThe AdministrationExecutive OfficesPrioritiesThe RecordBriefing RoomThe White HouseVisitDisclosuresGet InvolvedEspañol Contact UsPrivacy PolicyCopyright PolicyAccessibility Statement InstagramOpens in a new windowFacebookOpens in a new windowXOpens in a new windowYouTubeOpens in a new windowLinkedInOpens in a new windowThreadsOpens in a new windowRedditOpens in a new windowSnapchatOpens in a new window The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500 WH.gov Scroll to Top Scroll to Top Top
