US President Joe Biden spoke with Pope Francis on Saturday and awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, the nation's highest civilian honour, the White House said.
It was the first time during his four years in office that Biden awarded the medal "with distinction," it said.
Biden, 82, leaves office on Jan. 20. To oversee the federal response to the fires in California, he cancelled a trip to Rome this week, where he was due to meet Pope Francis in person.
A lifelong Catholic who has met the pope several times, Biden told reporters on Friday that he was disappointed to cancel the trip but felt it was more important to stay in Washington.
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The Presidential Medal of Freedom is presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the US, world peace, or other significant societal, public, or private endeavors.
One week ago, Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, chef Jose Andres, and conservationist Jane Goodall, among others.
The White House said Biden spoke by phone with Francis on Saturday and expressed his deep regret that he was unable to visit Rome and Vatican City. The two leaders discussed efforts to advance peace around the world, including Francis&rsquo; work to alleviate suffering for vulnerable communities, it said.
In his citation for Francis, who was born Jorge Bergoglio in Argentina, Biden lauded the religious leader's life of service to "the voiceless and vulnerable across Argentina" and his lifetime of service to the poor.
"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," Biden wrote.
"The first pope from the Southern Hemisphere, Pope Francis, is unlike any who came before. Above all, he is the People's Pope&mdash;a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world."
Both Biden and Francis have been weakened by global events, said Massimo Faggioli, an Italian academic and professor at Villanova University who follows the papacy.
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"That is really hard to underestimate how tragic this moment is for both men in different ways," he said. "Because what could go wrong did go wrong in these few years."
Francis has pushed for an end to Russia's war with Ukraine and has been critical of Israel's military campaign against Palestinian militant group Hamas. Both conflicts are ongoing.
Biden, 82, a regular attender of Mass, departed from church doctrine later in life with his support for abortion rights. In 2021, he said Francis had defended him from criticism by some US Catholics over the issue, including many bishops.
Francis, 88, has pushed to open the Church to the modern world since he took the helm in 2013. He has drawn criticism from some US Catholics who view him as too liberal.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World | Trending: The Presidential Medal of Freedom is presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the US, world peace, or other significant endeavours.

US President Joe Biden spoke with Pope Francis on Saturday and awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, the nation's highest civilian honour, the White House said. It was the first time during his four years in office that Biden awarded the medal "with distinction," it said. Biden, 82, leaves office on Jan. 20. To oversee the federal response to the fires in California, he cancelled a trip to Rome this week, where he was due to meet Pope Francis in person. A lifelong Catholic who has met the pope several times, Biden told reporters on Friday that he was disappointed to cancel the trip but felt it was more important to stay in Washington. Also read | Biden to award Presidential Medal of Freedom to Hillary Clinton, George Soros, and Lionel Messi among 16 others The Presidential Medal of Freedom is presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the US, world peace, or other significant societal, public, or private endeavors. One week ago, Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, chef Jose Andres, and conservationist Jane Goodall, among others. The White House said Biden spoke by phone with Francis on Saturday and expressed his deep regret that he was unable to visit Rome and Vatican City. The two leaders discussed efforts to advance peace around the world, including Francis’ work to alleviate suffering for vulnerable communities, it said. In his citation for Francis, who was born Jorge Bergoglio in Argentina, Biden lauded the religious leader's life of service to "the voiceless and vulnerable across Argentina" and his lifetime of service to the poor. "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," Biden wrote. "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." Both Biden and Francis have been weakened by global events, said Massimo Faggioli, an Italian academic and professor at Villanova University who follows the papacy. Also read | Biden silences media during California wildfires briefing by whistling loudly "That is really hard to underestimate how tragic this moment is for both men in different ways," he said. "Because what could go wrong did go wrong in these few years." Francis has pushed for an end to Russia's war with Ukraine and has been critical of Israel's military campaign against Palestinian militant group Hamas. Both conflicts are ongoing. Biden, 82, a regular attender of Mass, departed from church doctrine later in life with his support for abortion rights. In 2021, he said Francis had defended him from criticism by some US Catholics over the issue, including many bishops. Francis, 88, has pushed to open the Church to the modern world since he took the helm in 2013. He has drawn criticism from some US Catholics who view him as too liberal. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Joe Biden awards Presidential Medal of Freedom to Pope Francis

Hollywood star Denzel Washington can now add another achievement to his list of accolades as he is set to receive the US Presidential Medal of Freedom. According to Variety, US President Joe Biden on Friday announced the 17 recipients of the honour, which is presented annually in a ceremony at the White House every July. The medal recognises public figures who have made notable contributions to American society, culture, politics, or world peace.

Among the honorees, Washington is the only actor or entertainment figure recognised this year. However, sports figures Simone Biles and Megan Rapinoe, among others, will also be presented with the Medal of Freedom on July 7.

Washington is one of his generation's most celebrated actors, directors, and producers. Over the course of his career, he has won two Oscars for the films 'Glory’ and ‘Malcolm X', in addition to receiving eight other nominations, including this year for 'The Tragedy of Macbeth’.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-2022-denzel-washington-consoled-will-smith-after-he-smacked-chris-rock-on-stage-466336">Oscars 2022: Denzel Washington consoled Will Smith after he smacked Chris Rock on stage</a>

Other honours he has received include a Tony Award for his work in the 2010 revival of ‘Fences’ and a Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award (an honorary Golden Globe Award) in 2016 for outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment. In 2020, Washington was named the greatest actor of the 21st century by The New York Times, as per Variety.&nbsp;

Hollywood star Denzel Washington can now add another achievement to his list of accolades as he is set to receive the US Presidential Medal of Freedom. According to Variety, US President Joe Biden on Friday announced the 17 recipients of the honour, which is presented annually in a ceremony at the White House every July.

Hollywood star Denzel Washington can now add another achievement to his list of accolades as he is set to receive the US Presidential Medal of Freedom. According to Variety, US President Joe Biden on Friday announced the 17 recipients of the honour, which is presented annually in a ceremony at the White House every July. The medal recognises public figures who have made notable contributions to American society, culture, politics, or world peace. Among the honorees, Washington is the only actor or entertainment figure recognised this year. However, sports figures Simone Biles and Megan Rapinoe, among others, will also be presented with the Medal of Freedom on July 7. Washington is one of his generation's most celebrated actors, directors, and producers. Over the course of his career, he has won two Oscars for the films 'Glory’ and ‘Malcolm X', in addition to receiving eight other nominations, including this year for 'The Tragedy of Macbeth’. Also Read: Oscars 2022: Denzel Washington consoled Will Smith after he smacked Chris Rock on stage Other honours he has received include a Tony Award for his work in the 2010 revival of ‘Fences’ and a Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award (an honorary Golden Globe Award) in 2016 for outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment. In 2020, Washington was named the greatest actor of the 21st century by The New York Times, as per Variety.

Denzel Washington among honorees set to receive US Presidential Medal of Freedom

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Joe Biden awards Presidential Medal of Freedom to Pope Francis

Denzel Washington among honorees set to receive US Presidential Medal of Freedom