"I am praying for all of you," Pope Francis said, using his televised Sunday Angelus address to speak directly to the people impacted by the wildfires in Southern California.

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis is praying for victims and rescuers trying to control the wildfires in California that have killed at least 11 people and destroyed thousands of homes, the Vatican said on Saturday.

"I am praying for all of you," Pope Francis said, using his televised Sunday Angelus address to speak directly to the people impacted by the wildfires in Southern California.

The White House said President Biden bestowed the award to Pope Francis during a phone call in which they also discussed efforts to promote peace and alleviate suffering around the world.

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Pope Francis had a busy schedule, holding a new weekly general audience, being awarded the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom, sending condolences for wildfires devastating California, and baptizing 21 infants in the Sistine Chapel.

President Joe Biden has decided not to embark on a final overseas trip in office, canceling plans to travel to Rome for a personal meeting with Pope Francis this weekend as wildfires continue to rage across Los Angeles.

President Biden, a Catholic, awarded the medal with distinction to the pontiff, to whom he has turned for personal guidance.