President Joe Biden has awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction, the first time in his term the president has bestowed that honor, the White House announced on Saturday.

Pope Francis is receiving the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, the country's highest civilian honor, the White House confirmed Saturday.

President Joe Biden presented a Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction on Saturday to the leader of his own church, Pope Francis. Biden praised the Catholic leader for being a “light of faith,