US President Joe Biden has awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, the country's highest civilian award, the White House said on Sunday.

This was the first time Biden awarded the honour to an individual during his four-year term.

The White House said in a statement: "Today, President Biden spoke with His Holiness Pope Francis and named him as a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction."

Who receives the award?

As per the White House release, the award is presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavours.

Describing the Pope, the White House said: "The first pope from the Southern Hemisphere, 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."

Biden says he felt honoured to award Pope Frnacis

Praising Pope Francis, Biden wrote on X: "Pope Francis, your humility and your grace are beyond words, and your love for all is unparalleled."

"As the People's Pope, you are a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world," he said.

"Today, it was my honor to award His Holiness Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction," Biden said.

Biden was forced to cancel his recent visit to Vatican City this weekend after he decided to stay back to monitor the ravaging wildfire tragedy in Los Angeles that has left 16 people dead.