Pope Francis has been honoured with America’s highest civilian award by President Joe Biden, who has described the pontiff as “a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world”.
It’s the first time Mr Biden, 82, has given the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction throughout his 4 years in workplace.
In a press release, the White Home mentioned the award 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 endeavours”.
Mr Biden had been scheduled to current the medal to Pope Francis, 88, in particular person on Saturday in Rome on what was to be the ultimate abroad journey of his presidency. However the president cancelled his go to to observe the California wildfires.
The White Home mentioned Mr Biden bestowed the award throughout a cellphone name by which in addition they mentioned efforts to advertise peace and alleviate struggling all over the world.
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President Joe Biden introduced Bono with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Pic: AP
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Denzel Washington was additionally recognised. Pic: AP
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Michael J Fox was bestowed with the honour. Pic: AP
The award might be introduced with or with out distinction.
Mr Biden introduced the medal of freedom – with out distinction – on 5 January to a number of folks together with fellow Democrat Hillary Clinton, humanitarian and U2 singer Bono, clothier Ralph Lauren and actors Michael J Fox and Denzel Washington.
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Mr Biden himself is a recipient of the award with distinction, recognised when he was vice chairman by then president Barack Obama in a shock ceremony eight years in the past.
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Barack Obama introduced Joe Biden with the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction in 2017. File pic: AP
The quotation for the pope’s honour mentioned 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,” it added.
