Outgoing US President Joe Biden and Pope Francis.
Washington: US President Joe Biden honored Pope Francis with a major honor on Saturday. He honored Pope Francis with the ‘Presidential Medal of Freedom’, the highest civilian honor given by the President of America. He then said that the Pope is “a ray of faith, hope and love that illuminates the whole world.”
Biden was to go to Rome on Saturday to personally present the medal to the Pope, but he had to cancel his trip due to the massive wildfires in California, USA. This would have been Biden’s last foreign trip as US President. Biden’s term will end with the swearing in of newly elected President Donald Trump on January 20. Biden has given this honor to someone for the first and last time during his tenure.
Biden has also received the same honor
Biden himself has received the same honor once. About 8 years ago, the then President Barack Obama had honored Biden with the same award when he was the Vice President. Obama had given this honor to someone twice during his eight-year tenure. The citation given to the Pope said, “His mission to serve the poor has never stopped.” As a beloved pastor, he happily answers children’s questions about God. He exhorts us to strive for peace and protect the earth. Therefore he deserves to receive this award. (AP)
Latest World News
