Pope Francis called on Donald Trump to promote peace and work for a society without hatred, discrimination and exclusion in his inauguration message.
“On the occasion of your inauguration as the forty-seventh President of the United States of America, I offer cordial greetings and the assurance of my prayers that Almighty God will grant you wisdom, strength and protection in the exercise of your high duties,” read the message.
“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.
“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.
“With these sentiments, I invoke upon you, your family, and the beloved American people an abundance of divine blessings”.
On an Italian chat show on Sunday night, the pope reacted to the suggestion the Trump administration would herald the mass deportation of immigrants as “a disgrace”.
Trump has made clear that two of the priorities of his incoming administration will be mass deportations and the rolling back of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes and initiatives.
The inauguration
Giorgia Meloni landed in Washington this morning on her way to the inauguration of Donal Trump as US President. The Italian PM recently visited Trump at his Mar-a-Lago home.
Trump is starting his second term as US President and is the 47th President of the USA. The inauguration will be inside as the weather forecast is for severe cold with added wind chill.
“I have ordered the Inauguration Address, in addition to prayers and other speeches, to be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda, as was used by Ronald Reagan in 1985, also because of very cold weather,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
“We will open Capital One Arena on Monday for LIVE viewing of this Historic event, and to host the Presidential Parade. I will join the crowd at Capital One, after my Swearing In,” Trump added.
