Washington — President Biden is awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, to Hillary Clinton and 18 others "who have made America a better place," the White House announced Saturday.

The president spoke with the Pope Saturday. The honor came with distinction, making the him the first person to receive the added level of honor by Biden.

COMMENTARY: Pope Francis, on Jan. 11, became the third pope to be given the highest civilian honor in the U.S.