Obama's day - a message from the Pope

Pope Benedict XVI offered his blessings to Barack Obama, upon the occasion of his swearing-in as the 44th president of the United States of America yesterday.

In a message the Pope Benedict said: "With his leadership may the American people continue to find in its great religious and political heritage the spiritual values and ethical principles necessary to contribute to the construction of a truly just and free society, marked by respect for dignity, equality and the rights of each of its members, especially the poor, the weak and those who have no voice.

"In a time when so many of his brothers and sisters in the world desire to free themselves from the yoke of poverty and violence I pray such that you maintain the determination to promote understanding, cooperation and peace among nations, such that everyone might participate at the banquet of life that God wishes to host for the entire human family".

Source: MISNA