President Joe Biden has honored Pope Francis with the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction. It's the highest civilian award given by the president.

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

Joe Biden has awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom and praised him as the “People’s Pope”. Mr Biden, who leaves office in just over a week, spoke with the Pope on Saturday and named him as a recipient of the US’s highest civilian honour.