Vice President Joe Biden speaks to Notre Dame graduates after receiving the Laetare Medal, considered to be the oldest and most prestigious honor accorded to American Catholics, during the University of Notre Dame commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 15, 2016, inside Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Ind. (Robert Franklin/South Bend Tribune via AP)
The Associated Press
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) - Vice President Joe Biden and former Speaker of the House John Boehner set aside their political differences Sunday to jointly accept a University of Notre Dame award given to prominent Catholics.
The school presented the Laetare Medal to Biden and Boehner at the school's commencement in Notre Dame Stadium, the South Bend Tribune (http://bit.ly/1V4faC0 ) reported.
Biden called it "the most meaningful award" he's ever received, and urged graduates to work together to find common ground.
Boehner, a Republican former congressman from Ohio who left office six months ago, echoed Biden's remarks about working across political and ideological divides, even as he drew laughter for mentioning his "many disagreements" with the vice president.
"Governing isn't about promising the impossible," he said. "You can find common ground with the other side without compromising your beliefs."
While some in the audience gave Biden a standing ovation, anti-abortion protesters picketed outside the stadium, calling the Democrat's support of abortion rights contrary to Catholic teachings.
Announcing the honor in March, Notre Dame's president, the Rev. John Jenkins, said Boehner and Biden have dedicated their lives "to genuine public service." He decried "a toxic political environment where poisonous invective and partisan gamesmanship pass for political leadership."
Former House Speaker John Boehner speaks to Notre Dame graduates after receiving the Laetare Medal, considered to be the oldest and most prestigious honor accorded to American Catholics, during the University of Notre Dame commencement Cceremony on Sunday, May 15, 2016, inside Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Ind. (Robert Franklin/South Bend Tribune via AP)
The Associated Press
Vice President Joe Biden gives a thumbs-up to graduates as he takes the stage before receiving the Laetare Medal, considered to be the oldest and most prestigious honor accorded to American Catholics, during the University of Notre Dame commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 15, 2016, inside Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Ind. (Robert Franklin/South Bend Tribune via AP)
The Associated Press
Vice President Joe Biden speaks to Notre Dame graduates after receiving the Laetare Medal, considered to be the oldest and most prestigious honor accorded to American Catholics, during the University of Notre Dame commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 15, 2016, inside Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Ind. (Robert Franklin/South Bend Tribune via AP)
The Associated Press
Vice President Joe Biden wipes his face while speaking about personal tragedy to Notre Dame graduates after receiving the Laetare Medal, considered to be the oldest and most prestigious honor accorded to American Catholics, during the University of Notre Dame commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 15, 2016, inside Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Ind. (Robert Franklin/South Bend Tribune via AP)
The Associated Press