Vatican officials have expressed their hopes for President-elect Donald Trump following his victory in the U.S. presidential election on November 5.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, said “We wish him much wisdom,” adding that wisdom is the principal virtue for leaders as outlined in the Bible. Parolin, speaking at an event in Rome, highlighted the need for Trump to address domestic polarization: “I think he has to work above all to be the president of the whole country.”
In addition to fostering unity, the Vatican expects Trump to play a constructive role internationally. Parolin stated that the president-elect should be “an element of détente and pacification in the current conflicts that are bloodying the world.” He acknowledged Trump’s pledges to resolve such conflicts, but noted, “I don’t think he has a magic wand.”
Parolin also described how the Holy See’s stance on immigration aligns with a humane approach. He reaffirmed, “We are for a wise policy towards immigrants and therefore one that does not go to these extremes,” referencing Trump’s proposed deportation measures.
Father Antonio Spadaro, an advisor to Pope Francis, mentioned that while there have been differences between Trump and the Holy See on issues such as migration and climate change, dialogue remains vital.
“The Holy See has never divided the world into good guys and bad guys,” Spadaro pointed out, reinforcing the Vatican’s stance on seeking common ground.
Photo credit: Shaleah Craighead, CC BY 3.0 US via Wikimedia Commons | Sources: Vatican News, I.Media, CNS, CNA, Crux, ANSA
