In the 20 January telegram sent ahead of Trump starting his second term in office, the Pope said, “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.”
He added: “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.”
Set against a world facing various challenges, including war and political conflict, the Pope asked that God would guide Trump’s 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,” the Pope said.
Trump’s election win in November 2024 to a second term as US president could usher in, according to some observers, a second round of tensions in the Vatican-US relationship, as he and Pope Francis hold vastly different views on issues such as immigration, climate change and engagement with China.
Pope Francis has already said it would be a “disgrace” for the incoming president to make good on his campaign promises to expel undocumented immigrants.
At the same time, though, the two men hold various similarities, including their status as populist, anti-establishment leaders, while they also both back a peace process in Ukraine.
It is not yet known when Trump’s first visit to Italy and the Vatican during his second presidential term will take place, but with war still raging in Ukraine and a tenuous ceasefire agreement having just been implemented in Gaza, it likely won’t be long before the two leaders meet in person.