Vatican Information Service announced this morning that Pope Benedict XVI has sent a message, through the apostolic nunciature in Washington, U.S.A., to Barack Obama, congratulating him on his re-election as president of the United States of America.
“In his message the Holy Father expresses his best wishes to the president on his new mandate, and gives assurances of his prayers to God to help him carry out his serious responsibilities, both in his own country and within the international community. The Pope also speaks of his hope that the ideals of freedom and justice, which guided the founding fathers of the Unites States of America, may continue to shine out as the nation progresses,” Vatican Information Service reported.
The service also quoted Holy See Press Office Director Jesuit Fr. Federico Lombardi as saying: “As we all know, the U.S. president has an immense responsibility, not only in his own country but also towards the rest of the world, given the role the U.S.A. plays at an international level”.
“For this reason we hope that President Obama will respond to his fellow citizens’ expectations, serving law and justice for the good and development of all people, and respecting essential human and spiritual values while promoting a culture of life and religious freedom.”
