After nixed trip to Vatican City, Biden awards Pope Francis the highest US civilian honor

President Joe Biden awarded Pope Francis with the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, the highest U.S. civilian honor, the White House announced on Saturday.

Biden, the nation's second Catholic president, called Pope Francis to award him the medal. It's the only time Biden has given out that specific award during his four-year term.

The pope and Biden were initially scheduled to meet next week in Rome during the president's final trip out of the country, but the overseas visit got cancelled because of the Los Angeles wildfires.

In his call with the pope, Biden "expressed his deep regret that he was unable to visit Rome and Vatican City," the White House said.

"They also discussed efforts to advance peace around the world, including Pope Francis’ work to alleviate suffering for vulnerable communities," according to the White House statement.

The citation for the award describes the head of the Catholic Church and the bishop of Rome who hails from Argentina as "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," it says.