On Saturday, US President Joe Biden spoke with His Holiness Pope Francis and named him the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction, NOVA reported.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award of the US state, awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant public, public, or private endeavors, according to a White House statement.
This is the first time Biden has presented the award during his presidency, which ends in a few years.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Bergoglio in Argentina, initially pursued a career in science before joining the Jesuits. For decades, he has served the voiceless and vulnerable throughout Argentina.
As Pope Francis, his mission to serve the poor has never ceased, the White House said. "Above all, he is a people's pope - a beacon of faith, hope and love that shines brightly throughout the world," Joe Biden said.