Pope Francis News: Message From Vatican Sent To Donald Trump On First Day As President Of The United States

RTSWKDE — Donald Trump waves after being sworn in as the 45th president of the United States on the West front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Jan. 20, 2017. Reuters

Pope Francis penned a letter to President Donald Trump on Friday as the 45th president moved into the White House.

The Vatican sent Trump a letter after the inauguration, with Francis saying he hoped that under Trump’s presidency “America’s stature [will] continue to be measured above all by its concern for the poor.”

“At a time when our human family is beset by grave humanitarian crises demanding far-sighted and united political responses, I pray that your decisions will be guided by the rich spiritual and ethical values that have shaped the history of the American people and your nation’s commitment to the advancement of human dignity and freedom worldwide,” the message reads.“Under your leadership, may America’s stature continue to be measured above all by its concern for the poor, the outcast and those in need who, like Lazarus, stand before our door.”

See the full text below:

The Honorable Donald Trump
President of the United States of America
The White House
Washington
Upon your inauguration as the 45th President of the United States of America, I offer you my 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. At a time when our human family is beset by grave humanitarian crises demanding far-sighted and united political responses, I pray that your decisions will be guided by the rich spiritual and ethical values that have shaped the history of the American people and your nation’s commitment to the advancement of human dignity and freedom worldwide. Under your leadership, may America’s stature continue to be measured above all by its concern for the poor, the outcast and those in need who, like Lazarus, stand before our door. With these sentiments, I ask the Lord to grant you and your family, and all the beloved American people, his blessings of peace, concord and every material and spiritual prosperity.
FRANCISCUS PP.