Mon Jan 20 17:36:55 IST 2025: ## Pope Francis Urges Trump to Lead with Peace and Inclusion in Inauguration Message
**Vatican City** – In a message to incoming US President Donald Trump, Pope Francis offered his prayers and urged the new leader to foster a society free from hatred and discrimination. The 88-year-old pontiff extended cordial greetings, expressing hope for the American people’s prosperity and a “more just society, where there is no room for hatred, discrimination or exclusion.” He also called on God to guide Trump’s efforts in promoting peace and reconciliation globally, particularly amidst ongoing conflicts.
The message follows previous criticisms from the Pope regarding Trump’s immigration policies. In a recent interview, Francis condemned planned large-scale deportations of undocumented migrants as a “calamity,” echoing earlier statements calling harsh anti-migrant attitudes “madness.” In 2016, he famously declared that anyone who builds walls instead of bridges “is not a Christian,” a remark widely interpreted as a direct critique of Trump’s campaign rhetoric. While the Pope’s message to Trump expressed well wishes, it underscores the continuing tension between the Vatican’s emphasis on compassion and inclusivity and the Trump administration’s stance on immigration. Trump’s planned mass deportations, while facing legal hurdles and international complications, remain a significant point of contention.
First Piper 