Amid a historic inauguration, Pope Francis sent a message of congratulations to President Donald Trump, expressing hopes for a presidency filled with wisdom and justice. The pope's message, delivered as Trump assumed office for a second term on a Monday, emphasized the need for the President's wisdom, strength, and protection amid his duties.
According to the Daily Caller, Pope Francis congratulated President Donald Trump on his second inauguration, expressing hope despite previous criticisms of his policies.
The pontiff's communication not only wished the President success but also highlighted his prayers for Trump's guidance in fostering peace and reconciliation globally. This message came on the heels of a contrasting sentiment expressed by Pope Francis just a day prior, where he criticized Trump's strict immigration policies.
In an interview on Italian TV a day before the inauguration, Pope Francis voiced his concerns about the U.S. President's immigration policies, particularly focusing on their harshness towards migrants.
His disapproval was not a new sentiment, as it echoed previous critiques post-Trump's first inauguration in 2017 and against proposed policies like the border wall in 2016.
Despite these criticisms, the message for Trump’s second term was one of aspiration for an American society rich in opportunities, welcome, and free from hate, discrimination, or exclusion. The Vatican’s approach seems to be one of diplomacy, aimed at promoting a unified front for peace and common good despite differing views.
This diplomatic stance is underscored by past interactions between Trump and Pope Francis, including a notable meeting on May 24, 2017, during Trump's first international trip as President. Additionally, their communication following the tragic Notre Dame Cathedral fire on April 15, 2019, highlights an ongoing relationship amidst periodic tensions.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin’s remarks on November 7, 2024, about the presidency, reiterated the church's hopes for Trump's leadership to transcend political polarization and be a force for peace globally. "Of course we wish him well," Parolin stated, expressing a biblical call for leadership rooted in wisdom.
Reflecting wider church leadership views, Archbishop Timothy Broglio and Cardinal Wilton Gregory also issued statements around the inauguration. Broglio focused on the dignity of the human person and concerns over economic uncertainties and abortion stances during the election.
Gregory, on the other hand, called for national unity and respect ahead of the inauguration.
The nominations of Brian Burch as U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, and Callista Gingrich’s for Switzerland, signify forthcoming diplomatic interactions.
With Cardinal Robert McElroy set to succeed Gregory in March 2025, the Church continues to engage deeply with political developments impacting U.S.-Vatican relations.
Pope Francis’ message to President Trump juxtaposed his recent inauguration with earlier criticisms yet encapsulated a message of hope for prosperity and justice. It illustrated the Vatican's diplomatic balancing act in engaging with U.S. leadership regardless of conflicting views on issues like immigration.
The overarching theme from the Vatican and broader church officials seems to be one of ongoing dialogue and promoting peace among nations, amid the challenges posed by political and social disparities.