U.S. President Joe Biden awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction on Saturday (January 11), the nation's highest civilian honor, the White House said.

It was the first time during his four years in office that Biden awarded the medal "with distinction," it said.

The White House said Biden spoke by phone with Francis on Saturday and expressed his deep regret that he was unable to visit Rome and Vatican City. The two leaders discussed efforts to advance peace around the world, including Francis’ work to alleviate suffering for vulnerable communities, it said.

Biden, 82, leaves office on January 20. To oversee the federal response to the fires in California, he cancelled a trip to Rome this week, where he was due to meet Francis in person.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the U.S., world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavours.