Judge Steven Leifman, received the Papal Medal Benemerenti Honor from Archbishop Thomas Wenski during the Archdiocese of Miami 65th anniversary vespers service, Oct. 22, 2023, at St. Mary Cathedral. Photo courtesy of Jonathan Martinez

Miami-based Judge Steve Leifman received an award from Pope Francis in honor of his work diverting those with mental health issues away from the criminal justice system and toward treatment programs.

Leifman was presented with the award, the Papal Medal Benemerenti, on October 22 by Thomas Wenski, the archbishop of Miami, according to a Facebook post by the charity, Flawless Foundation.