A police officer tries to tackle a protester demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the inauguration in Washington, DC, U.S., January 20, 2017. REUTERS/Adrees Latif Pope Francis has called for people to “wait and see” what newly-inaugurated US President Donald Trump does in his leadership role and not rush to judgement.
Amid a weekend of protests worldwide and angry denunciations on both sides of the political divide in America, Pope Francis’ was a voice of calm as he warned against making a premature judgement on the new American administration.
Speaking to the Spanish newspaper El Pais, the Pontiff said “I don’t like to get ahead of myself nor judge people prematurely. We will see how he acts, what he does, and then I will have an opinion.”
As television screens filled with mass demonstrations in Washington DC, and even outbreaks of violence among some elements, the Pope said, “Being afraid or rejoicing beforehand, because of something that might happen, is, in my view, unwise.
“I think we must wait and see.”
Earlier, the Pope issued a goodwill message to Mr Trump in time for his January 20 inauguration, assuring the new president of his “prayers that Almighty God will grant you wisdom and strength in the exercise of your high office”.
“At a time when our human family is beset by grave humanitarian crises demanding far-sighted and united political responses,” the message continued, “I pray that your decisions will be guided by the rich spiritual and ethical values that have shaped the history of the American people and your nation’s commitment to the advancement of human dignity and freedom worldwide. Under your leadership, may America’s stature continue to be measured above all by its concern for the poor, the outcast and those in need who, like Lazarus, stand before our door.
“With these sentiments, I ask the Lord to grant you and your family, and all the beloved American people, his blessings of peace, concord and every material and spiritual prosperity.”