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President Biden Awards Pope Francis Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction
President Joe Biden has honored Pope Francis with the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction, the highest civilian award in the United States. The award, presented during a phone call, recognizes the pontiff’s global contributions as “a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world.”
Biden, a Catholic, had planned to personally present the medal to Pope Francis during a scheduled visit to Rome. However, he canceled the trip to monitor California’s ongoing wildfires. During their phone conversation, Biden and the pope discussed efforts to promote peace and alleviate global suffering.
This marks the only instance during Biden’s presidency where the medal has been presented with distinction. Biden himself received the same honor during a surprise ceremony in 2017, when then-President Barack Obama awarded it to him for his decades of public service.
The citation for Pope Francis highlighted his unwavering commitment to serving the poor, his advocacy for peace and environmental protection, and his efforts to foster interfaith dialogue.
Biden, preparing to leave office on January 20, has recently awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 individuals, many of whom have been instrumental in shaping his long political career or have made significant contributions to society.
Notable Recipients of Biden’s Recent Awards
The list of honorees includes public figures from diverse fields, such as Nobel Peace Prize laureate Bono, basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and renowned conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall.
Biden also posthumously honored figures like Fannie Lou Hamer, a civil rights activist who paved the way for the 1965 Voting Rights Act, and Robert F. Kennedy, remembered for his efforts against racial segregation and poverty.
Other recipients included Lionel Messi, celebrated as one of the greatest soccer players in history, and actor Michael J. Fox, recognized for his advocacy in Parkinson’s disease research.
Presidential Medal of Freedom Trends
Since 1980, Biden has awarded the fewest Presidential Medals of Freedom during his term, presenting 19 in total. This is in stark contrast to Barack Obama, who awarded the most—118—over his two terms.
Medal Counts by Recent Presidents:
- Barack Obama: 118
- Bill Clinton: 89
- Ronald Reagan: 86
- George W. Bush: 85
- Joe Biden: 19
With this honor, Biden underscores the importance of recognizing individuals who have left a lasting impact on global and domestic issues. Pope Francis, in particular, embodies the spirit of the award, exemplifying values of compassion and leadership on the world stage.
News
Investigation Underway After Goa Nightclub Fire Kills at Least 25
Authorities in the Indian state of Goa have opened an investigation into a nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people, including several tourists, in one of the region’s most popular party districts. Six others were injured in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight in Arpora, a nightlife hub about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on X, saying the victims included many of the club’s kitchen staff and a small number of visiting tourists. He added that all the injured were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. Rescue teams recovered all bodies from the site.
Early reports from local police, cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire. Witnesses, however, told the agency that the blaze appeared to start on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing at the time. As smoke and flames swept through the building, many people ran toward the lower floor, where they became trapped along with staff members.
Sawant said a formal inquiry would determine the exact cause and whether the club complied with fire safety regulations. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible, writing on X that any negligence uncovered by investigators would be “dealt with firmly”.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the burning building. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” said Fatima Shaikh, who was inside when the fire began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a message on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Local media reported that the club’s location along the Arpora River backwaters posed challenges for emergency crews. A narrow approach road forced fire engines to park about 400 metres from the entrance, slowing their response. Reports also revealed that the building had previously received a demolition notice after officials found it lacked a construction permit. That order was later withdrawn by senior state authorities, according to Arpora councillor Roshan Redkar.
Incidents involving gas cylinders and electrical faults are not unusual in India and often lead to heavy casualties, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance” and urged a transparent investigation to establish accountability and prevent future disasters.
The probe into the fire is expected to assess structural safety, emergency exits and compliance with existing regulations as authorities work to piece together how the late-night gathering turned into one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years.
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