Biden names Pope Francis as a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom

Pope Francis was named a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction Saturday by President Biden, a White House press release said.

The honor is the highest civilian award in the country, and is bestowed upon those who “have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors,” the release stated.

Pope Francis, 88, whose birth name is Jorge Bergoglio, was elected in 2013 and “is unlike any who came before,” the release said.

A White House press release revealed that Pope Francis was named a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction by President Biden. Getty Images

A native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, his former jobs included “sweeping floors, working in a chemistry lab, teaching literature and psychology, and guarding the door as the bouncer at a Buenos Aires nightclub,” according to Today.

In 1969, he was ordained a priest, and was elevated to the archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and made a cardinal in 2001.

Pope Francis, 88, born under the name Jorge Bergoglio, was elected in 2013 and the release mentioned that he AFP via Getty Images

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.”

“His mission of serving the poor has never ceased. 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. A welcoming leader, he reaches out to different faiths.”