Pope Benedict congratulates Obama
Pope Benedict XVI sent a telegram of congratulations to Barack Obama today, to hail the "historic occasion" of his election as US president, Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said.
Fr Lombardi said the Holy Father expressed "his blessing so that God will support him and the American people, and that all people of goodwill can work to build a world of peace, solidarity and justice."
The text of the telegram, sent to Obama via the US ambassador to the Holy See, is not being made public "because it is a personal message," he said.
"Believers are praying that God will enlighten him and help him in his great responsibility, which is enormous because of the global importance of the United States. We hope Obama can fulfil the expectations and hopes that many have in him," Fr Lombardi said.
Source: VIS