The Secretary of State and number 2 of the Vatican sent his congratulations to American President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday, wishing him “wisdom” and hoping that he will put an end to the conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, even if he has not “no magic wand”.
“We wish him much wisdom because it is the main virtue of leaders according to the Bible,” Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin told reporters on the sidelines of a conference in Rome.
Asked about Mr. Trump’s promise to end the war in Ukraine “in 24 hours”, Bishop Parolin replied: “Let us hope, let us hope. I believe that he does not have a magic wand either: to put an end to war, you need a lot of humility and availability, you really have to pursue the general interests of humanity, rather than focusing on particular interests.”
“We hope that it can really be an element of relaxation and pacification in the current conflicts which are tearing the world apart,” he added.
In order to “overcome the polarization” of American society, Bishop Parolin also wanted Mr. Trump to be “the president of the whole country”.
This is the first diplomatic reaction from the Holy See to the clear victory of the Republican candidate in the race for the White House against Democrat Kamala Harris, Pope Francis not having reacted himself.
In September, the Argentine Jesuit accused the two candidates of being “against life” because of their positions on abortion for one and migrants for the other.
“I’m not American, I can’t vote there, but let it be clear, sending migrants back, denying them the opportunity to work, refusing them welcome, is a sin, it’s serious,” he said.
In May 2017, during his first term, Donald Trump was received by the Pope at the Vatican for a half-hour interview.
The two men are polar opposites on many subjects.
Relying on radical rhetoric, Donald Trump, openly climate skeptic and pro-arms, hammers home a violent anti-migrant message, while the Argentine Jesuit tirelessly calls for them to be welcomed and to act for the environment.
The Secretary of State and number 2 of the Vatican sent his congratulations to American President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday, wishing him “wisdom” and hoping that he will put an end to the conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, even if he has not “no magic wand”.
“We wish him much wisdom because it is the main virtue of leaders…
