POPE CALLS ON BIDEN TO FOSTER ‘RECONCILIATION’

Vatican City, Jan. 21: Pope Francis on Wednesday urged the United States' new president Joe Biden to promote “reconciliation and peace” around the world following his inauguration.

He offered Biden, the second Roman Catholic to become US president after John F. Kennedy, his “cordial good wishes and the assurance of my prayers” in the task ahead.

“Under your leadership, may the American people continue to draw strength from the lofty political, ethical and religious values that have inspired the nation since its founding,” he said. “At a time when the grave crises facing our human family call for far-sighted and united responses, I pray that your decisions will be guided by a concern for building a society marked by authentic justice and freedom,” the Pope said.