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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
Europe Forms ‘Coalition of the Willing’ to Support Ukraine Amid Uncertainty Over U.S. Role
European leaders have officially launched the “Coalition of the Willing,” a multinational effort led by the United Kingdom and France to support Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia. The coalition, formed in response to shifting global diplomacy and concerns over Russia’s expansionist agenda, aims to ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and prevent further escalation in the region.
A Response to Trump-Putin Negotiations
The formation of the coalition gained urgency following a surprise phone call between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 12. The call, which took place without prior consultation with European allies, raised alarms across the continent, prompting European leaders to take a more proactive role in shaping the future of the conflict.
Since then, multiple high-level summits have been held, with French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spearheading the initiative. “Our goal is clear: to secure peace,” Macron stated. “To do this, we must put Ukraine in the best possible position to negotiate and ensure a lasting peace for all Europeans.”
Who Is Part of the Coalition?
The coalition has grown rapidly, now including 33 delegations from across Europe and beyond. Leaders from Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, Sweden, and other EU nations have joined, alongside representatives from NATO and the European Commission. Notably, Turkey, Australia, and Canada have also taken part in discussions.
However, some key countries remain absent. Austria and Malta have declined participation due to their neutral status, while Hungary and Slovakia, both NATO members, have resisted military support for Ukraine. The United States has not formally joined the coalition, though European leaders remain hopeful that Washington will provide some form of assistance, particularly in intelligence sharing and air defense.
Key Objectives of the Coalition
The coalition has outlined three main areas of focus:
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Military Support for Ukraine – European nations have pledged continued military aid, including artillery, air defense systems, drones, and training programs to strengthen Ukraine’s armed forces.
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Deployment of a ‘Reassurance Force’ – A new security force, composed of Western troops, will be stationed in Ukraine at key locations such as cities, ports, and power plants. The goal is to deter Russian aggression rather than engage in frontline combat. France and the UK have already committed soldiers, with Sweden, Denmark, and Belgium considering participation.
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Strengthening European Defense Capabilities – The European Commission has proposed an €800 billion investment plan to enhance Europe’s defense industry, with Ukraine set to benefit from these funds.
Uncertainty Over U.S. Involvement
While European leaders have made diplomatic efforts to engage the U.S., there is little clarity on whether Washington will actively support the coalition. Trump’s administration has hinted at reducing American troop presence in Europe, raising concerns about long-term transatlantic security commitments.
Despite this, Starmer remains optimistic. “This is a force designed to deter and send a message to Putin that this peace deal will be defended,” he stated.
Next Steps
The coalition is now working to finalize details of the reassurance force, including troop numbers, locations, and operational structures. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has invited military representatives to Kyiv to begin planning, with a follow-up summit expected in the coming weeks.
With Europe taking the lead, the coalition marks a significant shift in the West’s approach to the war, signaling that European nations are prepared to act independently if necessary to safeguard Ukraine’s future.
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