President Biden honored Pope Francis Presidential Medal of Freedom with the distinction, the highest civilian award the president bestowed on Saturday, saying the pope was “a light of faith, hope and love that shines brightly throughout the world.”

Mr. Biden was supposed to travel to Rome this weekend and personally present the medal to Francis, but he canceled his last trip abroad as president so he could monitor the wildfires in California.

The White House said Biden presented the award to the pope during a telephone conversation in which they also discussed efforts to promote peace and alleviate suffering around the world.

It is the only time Mr. Biden has held the honor during his presidency. Mr. Biden himself is the recipient of the award with distinction, which was presented to him eight years ago in a surprise ceremony by then-President Barack Obama when he was vice president. It was the only time in Obama’s two terms that he awarded that version of the medal.

The quote for the pope says that “his mission to serve the poor has never stopped. A loving pastor, he joyfully answers children’s questions about God. A challenging teacher, he commands us to fight for peace and protect the planet. A hospitable leader, he reaches out to different faiths.”

On Saturday, Francis expressed sadness over the fires that are still raging in and around Los Angeles.

“Saddened by the loss of life and great destruction caused by the fires near Los Angeles,” Francis expressed his “spiritual closeness” to the victims, Vatican No. 2 Cardinal Pietro Parolin said in a cable.

“He also prays for the help of emergency personnel and shares his blessing to all as a pledge of comfort and strength in the Lord,” Parolin said.

Mr. Biden is preparing to leave office on Jan. 20 and has done so distributed honors to prominent individuals, including supporters and allies, in recent weeks.