Pope Francis Sends Prayers and Blessings to President Trump on Inauguration Day

Pope Francis, Donald Trump and Melania Trump

Donald Trump and his wife Melania in the presence of Pope Francis on May 24, 2017 in Vatican City. (Wikimedia Commons)

On January 20, 2025, Pope Francis sent a heartfelt message to President Donald Trump on the occasion of his inauguration as the 47th president of the United States. In his message, the Holy Father offered prayers for “wisdom, strength, and protection” as Trump begins his presidency. He also invoked blessings for the “beloved American people,” asking that under the new leadership, they may prosper and work toward a more just society.

“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,” Pope Francis wrote, according to the Holy See Press Office.

The pope’s message continued with a recognition of the many challenges facing humanity, including “the scourge of war.” He called on God to guide President Trump’s efforts in “promoting peace and reconciliation among peoples.” Pope Francis concluded his message by invoking “an abundance of divine blessings” upon Trump, his family, and “the beloved American people.”

However, Pope Francis had spoken out on a more controversial topic just the day before. On January 19, during an Italian television interview, the pope voiced concerns over potential mass deportations in the United States, criticizing the approach as unjust. “If this is true it is a disgrace because it makes the poor unfortunate who have nothing pay the price of imbalance. This is not how things are solved,” Pope Francis stated on Nove’s “Che Tempo Che Fa” program, according to a report by the Holy See.

This dual message, blending prayers for guidance with a call for justice for immigrants, highlights Pope Francis’s ongoing commitment to advocating for the vulnerable and promoting peace, both domestically and internationally. As President Trump begins his presidency, the pope’s words offer a reminder of the Church’s dedication to the protection of human dignity and the pursuit of a just society for all people, regardless of their background or status.

Through his message and his public statements, Pope Francis continues to challenge world leaders, including the president of the United States, to lead with compassion, wisdom, and a commitment to human dignity.

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