Pope Francis congratulated Joseph Biden on the occasion of his inauguration as the 46th president of the United States.
In his message, the pope assured President Biden of his prayers that God will grant him “wisdom and strength” in his “efforts to foster understanding, reconciliation and peace” in the country. The pope also expressed hope that the American people, under Biden's leadership, will “continue to draw strength from the lofty political, ethical and religious values that have inspired the nation since its founding.”
Pope Francis is also praying that the president's “decisions will be guided by a concern for building a society marked by authentic justice and freedom, together with unfailing respect for the rights and dignity of every person, especially the poor, the vulnerable and those who have no voice.”
It's traditional for the pope to send a message to the president on inauguration day.
Biden first met Pope Francis in 2013 when the former was Vice President of the United States, serving with President Barack Obama. In 2015, they welcomed the pope to Washington, D.C. during his papal trip.
CT
