Biden awards Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction

President Biden honored Pope Francis with the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction, the highest civilian award given by the president, on Saturday, saying the pontiff was a "light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world."

Mr. Biden was scheduled to travel to Rome this weekend and present the medal to Francis in person, but he canceled what would have been his final overseas trip as president so he could monitor the wildfires in California.

The White House said Biden bestowed the award to the pope during a phone call in which they also discussed efforts to promote peace and alleviate suffering around the world.