Pope Francis urged Donald Trump, the incoming president of the United States, to lead with “no room for hatred” and promote “peace and reconciliation among peoples.”
In a message for Trump’s inauguration, the 88-year-old pontiff extended “cordial greetings” and offered prayers for wisdom, strength, and protection. He expressed hope that under Trump’s leadership, America would thrive and work toward a just society free from hatred, discrimination, and exclusion.
Pope Francis also acknowledged the challenges the world faces, including war. He prayed that God would guide Trump’s efforts to promote peace and unity among nations.
On Sunday, Francis had criticized Trump’s plans for mass deportations of undocumented migrants, calling it “a calamity” that would harm the vulnerable.
Trump has promised to carry out the “largest deportation operation in American history,” but the plan is expected to face legal hurdles and possible refusals from other nations to accept deportees.
The pope has previously condemned Trump’s anti-immigration policies. In February 2016, Francis called Trump’s desire to build walls instead of bridges “un-Christian.” Last year, he criticized right-wing US Catholic figures and called harsh anti-migrant views “madness.”
