Pope Francis is receiving the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, the country's highest civilian honor, the White House confirmed Saturday.

The honorees included high-profile figures like Hillary Clinton, the singer Bono and the philanthropist and donor George Soros.

Ralph Lauren, Hillary Clinton, Jane Goodall, Denzel Washington, and Bono are among 19 people who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden in a ceremony (January 4) at the White House.

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.

Joe Biden on Saturday awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 honorees, bestowing the highest civilian honor in the United States on entertainers, sports stars, activists and diplomats including Jane Goodall and Hillary Clinton.

Bill Nye, the beloved television personality known as Bill Nye the Science Guy, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden.

President Joe Biden will bestow the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 of the most famous names in politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy and science.

The award recognizes exceptional contributions to the prosperity, values, and security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal achievements.

Actor and advocate Michael J. Fox was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Biden on January 4, 2025. Actor Denzel Washington was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Biden on January 4, 2025.