Pope Francis delivered dual messages to Donald Trump on his inauguration as president of the United States, urging him to reject “hatred, discrimination or exclusion” and denouncing his migrant deportation plan as a “disgrace.” Source: NCR Online.
The pontiff delivered the back-to-back messages on Sunday and yesterday.
The Pope’s brief remarks came in a Sunday night Italian television interview on the eve of Mr Trump’s inauguration for a second term. Mr Trump has vowed to evict millions of immigrants from the country.
“If it is true, it will be a disgrace, because it makes the poor wretches who have nothing pay the bill for the inequalities,” said the Pope of Trump’s plans for widespread deportation. “It won’t do.”
In a message delivered hours before Mr Trump took the oath of office, Francis said, “Inspired by your nation’s ideals of being a land of opportunity and welcome for all, it is my hope that under your leadership the American people will prosper and always strive to build a more just society, where there is no room for hatred, discrimination or exclusion.”
Francis offered prayers for Mr Trump’s second term “that Almighty God will grant you wisdom, strength, and protection in the exercise of your high duties,” the papal statement said.
“At the same time, as our human family faces numerous challenges, not to mention the scourge of war, I also ask God to guide your efforts in promoting peace and reconciliation among peoples,” he said.
Mr Trump was sworn in overnight for as the nation’s 47th president, as JD Vance also took the oath of office, becoming the nation’s second Catholic vice president, OSV News reports.
The inauguration ceremony was moved indoors amid frigid temperatures in the nation’s capital, taking place in the Capitol Rotunda rather than the exterior West Front of the Capitol Building.
An opening prayer was delivered by Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, who cited the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, whose federal holiday was also observed yesterday, “who warned without God our efforts turned to ashes.”
The cardinal prayed that Mr Trump “may know your designs,” and also wished God’s blessings on President Joe Biden in the final moments of his term.
FULL STORY
Pope Francis to Trump: Reject ‘hate, discrimination or exclusion’ (By Christopher White, NCR Online)
Donald Trump sworn in as 47th president (By Kate Scanlon, OSV News)
