Pope Francis has expressed his hopes for incoming U.S. President Donald Trump, urging him to lead a nation where hatred has no place and peace and reconciliation are promoted. In a message following Trump’s inauguration, the 88-year-old pontiff offered his warm greetings and reassured Trump of his prayers, asking for God to grant him wisdom, strength, and protection in his leadership.
The Pope’s message emphasized his desire for the United States to prosper under Trump’s leadership, with a focus on creating a just society free from hatred, discrimination, and exclusion. He also highlighted the importance of addressing global challenges, particularly the devastating impact of war, and called on Trump to actively promote peace and healing among nations.
Earlier, Pope Francis had voiced concerns about Trump’s approach to immigration. He condemned Trump’s proposed large-scale deportations of undocumented migrants, calling it a catastrophe for vulnerable individuals. The Pope stressed the hardship faced by the poor and marginalized, urging more compassion and understanding.
Francis has been outspoken in his criticism of Trump’s stance on immigration. In 2016, he questioned the presidential hopeful’s focus on building walls instead of bridges, implying that such attitudes were not aligned with Christian values. Additionally, last year, he voiced strong opposition to the anti-migrant rhetoric and criticized conservative U.S. Catholic figures for their support of such policies.
As the world watches Trump’s presidency unfold, Pope Francis’s call for unity and compassion continues to resonate, encouraging leaders to prioritize peace, justice, and inclusion in their governance.
