The Catholics surrounding Trump’s second term are best represented by his vice president, JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism and embraced family-oriented and conservative policies, echoing a general trend of young U.S. Catholic men shifting rightward.

President Biden, a Catholic, awarded the medal with distinction to the pontiff, to whom he has turned for personal guidance.

Biden spoke by phone with His Holiness Pope Francis Saturday morning and "expressed his deep regret" that he was unable to visit Rome and Vatican City.

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

The Cuban government announced that it would release hundreds of political prisoners, citing inspiration from Pope Francis' emphasis on mercy for prisoners during the Jubilee Year.

President Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction to Pope Francis days before leaving the White House. Biden, who is only the second Catholic president in U.S. history,

But on Saturday it was Joe Biden’s turn. The presidential version of a blessing took the form of the Medal of Freedom, which the White House notes was awarded to Pope Francis “with distinction.”

For just the third time since 1994, someone has earned a Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction. The last person to earn the medal with distinction: Joe Biden.

Biden, the nation's second Catholic president, spoke with the pontiff to name him a recipient of the award, the White House said.

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.

The citation for the award described the pope as the "People's Pope" whose "mission of serving the poor has never ceased."

In a statement, the White House commended Pope Francis for his commitment to serving the poor, as well as advocating for peace and protecting the planet. "A loving pastor, he joyfully answers children's questions about God. A challenging teacher ...