Biden Awards Pope Francis Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction

President Joe Biden bestows the prestigious award on Pope Francis during a phone call amid wildfires in California.

71%

29%

This story was covered by 7 sources. This shows the distribution of these sources: left-leaning (blue), center (gray), and right-leaning (red).

Politics

Mostly Reliable

The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.

Balanced

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story, verified by multiple sources.

President Joe Biden has awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction, recognizing him as a beacon of hope and faith worldwide. The president had intended to present the medal in Rome but canceled the trip to address wildfires in California. Biden expressed his regret over not meeting the pope in person, and during their call, they discussed global peace efforts and Francis's work for vulnerable communities. This award marks the first time Biden has presented the medal with distinction in his presidency, highlighting the unique relationship between the leader and the pope.

Informed by:

From the Right

A recap of the main views or arguments shared by right-leaning sources.

Pope Francis was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction by President Biden, recognizing his contributions to society, peace, and the environment.
Biden's recent call with the Pope emphasized their shared commitment to aiding vulnerable communities and promoting global peace, despite the cancellation of Biden's visit due to emergencies.
Critics point out the contrasting views on issues like abortion, highlighting the divergence within Catholic communities regarding both Biden and Francis's approach to modern political and social challenges.

Informed by:

Highlights (7)

Excerpts from the underlying articles that best reflect each outlet's unique perspective on this story.

Above all, he is the People’s Pope — a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world.
Biden awards Pope Francis Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction
NBC News
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
In honoring the pope, the White House called the leader of the Catholic church “the People’s Pope – a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world.”
Biden gives Pope Francis highest civilian honor before leaving office
The Hill
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
The White House explained why he is worthy of the distinction, praising his many accomplishments while in office, and lovingly referring to him as "the People’s Pope."
Biden names Pope Francis as a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
New York Post
Mostly Reliable
The underlying sources generally maintain reliability but have, at times, included opinion pieces, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies. While typically factual, there may be occasional editorialization or subjective interpretation.
·Leans Right
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."
Biden awards Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction
CBS News
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
President Joe Biden on Saturday honored Pope Francis with the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction, the highest civilian award given by the president, saying the pontiff was “a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world.”
Biden honors Pope Francis with the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Associated Press
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
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.
After nixed trip to Vatican City, Biden awards Pope Francis the highest US civilian honor
USA TODAY
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
In his citation for Francis, who was born as 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.
Biden Awards Pope Francis Medal of Freedom With Distinction
Newsmax
Mixed Reliable
The underlying sources have a mixed track record. They provide accurate information in some cases but are known to inject bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting. Read these stories cautiously and cross-check claims when possible.
·Right