Pope, Southern Baptists extend prayers for Trump’s second term

The Holy See released a statement on Monday of Pope Francis’ prayers of strength and wisdom to the newly inaugurated U.S. President Donald Trump. The pontiff offered cordial greetings to Trump on his inauguration and said he hoped that Trump’s second administration would work to build a government with what Francis described as more justice and less discrimination.

Francis said he also prayed that God would guide Trump to foster peace and reconciliation across peoples. The statement ended by formally blessing Trump, his family, and the people of America. The blessing came less than a day after Francis described Trump’s mass deportation plan as a disgrace that would ultimately be ineffective.

Church World Service, a nonprofit, faith-based organization with the stated aim of eradicating hunger and poverty, also released a statement on Trump’s inauguration. In it, President and CEO Rick Santos called on the incoming administration to honor the rights and dignity of migrants seeking asylum. People of faith and conscience need to protect and defend the vulnerable, Santos said.

How have other religious leaders responded to the inauguration? Southern Baptists pray that Biblical wisdom and unity will guide Trump’s second presidential term, Southern Baptist Convention President Clint Pressley wrote on Monday. Pressley also prayed that Vice President J.D. Vance would lead with strength and discernment. WORLD reached out to leadership in the United Methodist Church, the Episcopal Church, the Presbyterian Church (USA), and the Anglican Church for comments on the inauguration. This story will be updated with any responses received.

Dig deeper: Read Josh Schumacher’s report on the inauguration, including cross-religious prayers and spiritual leaders in attendance.