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.

Biden, the nation's second Catholic president, spoke with the pontiff to name him a recipient of the award, the White House said.

For just the third time since 1994, someone has earned a Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction. The last person to earn the medal with distinction: Joe Biden.

President Joe Biden awarded Pope Francis with a Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction during a phone call on Saturday, according to the White House. It is the only Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction that Biden has awarded.

WASHINGTON DC- On January 12, President Joe Biden conferred the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction on Pope Francis, recognizing the pontiff’s profound influence and global contributions. The honor comes just days before Biden’s term as president concludes.

President Joe Biden awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, recognizing him as a recipient of the nation s highest civilian honor

Biden spoke by phone with His Holiness Pope Francis Saturday morning and "expressed his deep regret" that he was unable to visit Rome and Vatican City.

President Joe Biden on Saturday awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, the highest U.S. civilian honor. Biden handed out Medals of Freedom to 19 people earlier this month,