Pope Francis opened his message to US President Joe Biden saying, “On the occasion of your inauguration as the fourty-sixth President of the United States of America, I extend cordial good wishes and the assurance of my prayers that Almighty God will grant you wisdom and strength in the exercise of your high office”.
Joseph R Biden and Kamala Harris took their oaths and were sworn in as 46th president and vice-president respectively on Wednesday 20 January.
In his message to President Biden, Pope Francis expressed his hope that “under your leadership, may the American people continue to draw strength from the lofty political, ethical and religious values that have inspired the nation since its founding”. The United States celebrates 244 years of democracy since its founding in 1776.
“At a time when the grave crises facing our human family call for farsighted and united responses,” Pope Francis writes in his message, “I pray that your decisions will be guided by a concern for building a society marked by authentic justice and freedom, together with unfailing respect for the rights and dignity of every person, especially the poor, the vulnerable and those who have no voice.”
Concluding his message, Pope Francis writes, “I likewise ask God, the source of all wisdom and truth, to guide your efforts to foster understanding, reconciliation and peace within the United States and among the nations of the world in order to advance the universal common good. With these sentiments, I willingly invoke upon you and your family and the beloved American people an abundance of blessings.”
ENDS
