(CLO) Outgoing US President Joe Biden on Saturday awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian honor, to Pope Francis - according to an announcement from the White House.
Biden was scheduled to meet the Pope in Rome this week, but canceled the trip to stay and oversee the response to devastating wildfires in California.
Pope Francis. Photo: Quirinale
As a Catholic who has met the Pope many times, Mr. Biden expressed regret at not being able to meet him in person, but said staying in Washington to deal with the emergency was a more important priority.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of American prosperity, values, or security, world peace, or other significant public or private endeavors.
A week earlier, Mr. Biden also awarded the medal to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, chef José Andrés and conservationist Jane Goodall.
President Biden praised Pope Francis – born Jorge Bergoglio in Argentina – as a man who has devoted his life to serving the vulnerable.
"As the first pope from the southern hemisphere, Pope Francis is different from his predecessors. Above all, he is the people's pope – a light of faith, hope and love spreading throughout the world."
Pope Francis has repeatedly called for an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine, and has criticized Israel's military campaign against Hamas in Gaza. Both conflicts are still complicated.
Cao Phong (according to WH, Investing, Reuters)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/tong-thong-biden-trao-huan-chuong-cao-quy-nhat-cua-my-cho-giao-hoang-francis-post330030.html
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