The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on Wednesday
said he hoped the newly elected American president, Donald Trump, would
be guided by God to serve his country but also to promote peace and
well-being in the world.
Talking to journalists on the sidelines of a conference at Rome’s
Lateran University, the cardinal said he respected the will of the
American people as expressed in this exercise of democracy. “We send our
congratulations to the new president”, he continued, in the hope that
“his government may bear real fruit”.
Cardinal Parolin said it would be premature to comment on specific
issues such as immigration, noting that the views of presidential
candidates often differ from their policies once they become president
and adding that Trump had already spoken “in leadership style”.
He said Trump can be “assured of our prayers that the Lord may
enlighten and support him” in the service of his country, but also in
the service of peace and wellbeing in the world. Cardinal Parolin
concluded by saying he believes there is a need for everyone to work to
change the situation in the world today, which is one of “grave wounds,
of serious conflicts”.