Pope Francis extends prayers, ‘cordial greetings’ to Trump ahead of inaugural ceremony

Pope Francis Prays for President-elect Trump’s Success and Promotes Peace and Reconciliation

In a heartfelt message addressed to President-elect Trump ahead of his inauguration, Pope Francis expressed his prayers and extended “cordial greetings” to the future leader of the United States. The Pope asked God to guide Trump’s efforts in promoting peace and reconciliation among peoples, emphasizing the importance of these values in a world facing numerous challenges and the scourge of war.

Inspired by the ideals of the United States as a land of opportunity and welcome for all, Pope Francis expressed his hope that under Trump’s leadership, the American people would prosper and strive to build a more just society. He emphasized the need for a society where there is no room for hatred, discrimination, or exclusion.

While the Pope’s message conveyed his blessings and well wishes for Trump, it’s important to note that just one day prior, he criticized Trump’s deportation policy. On an evening television program, the Pope called it a disgrace and stated that it is not the way to solve things. This criticism highlights the tension between the Pope’s stance on immigration and Trump’s administration’s plans to enforce immigration laws more aggressively.

Additionally, Pope Francis recently cited “fake news” as the root cause of assassination attempts on Trump in 2024. During his annual “state of the world” address, the Pope pointed out that false information and a climate of suspicion generated by fake news can lead to division and distrust in society. He referred to the attacks on the government chairman of the Slovak Republic and the president-elect of the United States as tragic examples of this phenomenon.

In summary, while Pope Francis offered his prayers and well wishes for President-elect Trump’s success, he did not shy away from expressing his concerns and criticisms regarding certain policies. The Pope’s message emphasizes the importance of promoting peace, reconciliation, and justice in a world facing numerous challenges.