WASHINGTON D.C.— On Sunday, January 5, U.S. President Joe Biden awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction.
As the nation’s highest honor, the medal is “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,” the statement said.
“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.”
This is the first time Biden has awarded the medal “with distinction,” according to the statement.
Biden met with Pope Francis in June of last year where the two discussed climate change.
Among the reasons for the medal, Biden cites the Pope’s fervor for climate change and his ecumenical achievements.
There is no indication if ADCOM will also receive similar acclaim for their promotion of climate change in several statements, or if the GC PARL director (Ganoune Diop) will be recognized for his tremendous ecumenical efforts. Biden still has a few days left to recognize them.
Biden also presented the medal of freedom to several other people including fellow Democrat Hillary Clinton.
****
“When you sit down to eat with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you;
And put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite. Do not desire his delicacies, for they are deceptive food” (Proverbs 23:1-3).