WASHINGTON - US President Joe Biden spoke with Pope Francis on Jan 11 and awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, the nation's highest civilian honour, the White House said.

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

Mr Biden, 82, leaves office on Jan 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 Pope Francis in person.

A lifelong Catholic who has met the pope several times, Mr Biden told reporters on Jan 10 that he was disappointed to cancel the trip, but felt it was more important to stay in Washington.

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

One week ago, Mr Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, chef Jose Andres and conservationist Jane Goodall, among others.

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