Vatican: Trump must overcome polarisation – congratulations and criticism

The Vatican has congratulated future US President Donald Trump on his election and called on him to overcome polarisation in the US and contribute to peace in the world. The Pope's chief diplomat, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, commented on Trump's re-election on the sidelines of a conference in Rome on Thursday, as reported by the "Vatican News" portal. "Of course we wish him all the best," said Parolin, adding that wisdom is particularly important as the highest virtue for rulers according to biblical tradition.

Although Parolin welcomed Trump's announcement that he wanted to end wars, he also expressed scepticism. "I don't believe he has a magic wand either," he remarked, emphasising that humility and a willingness to work for the common good are necessary in order to actually create peace. The cardinal also criticised Trump's announced mass deportations of Latin American migrants. He referred to the Holy See's clear stance on this. "We are in favour of a policy that is prudent, humane and avoids extreme measures," said Parolin, recalling the Pope's words on the human dignity of migrants. According to the Cardinal, this is the only way to solve the complex migration problems without further fuelling division and xenophobia.

Parolin sees possible similarities in the protection of unborn life. Trump has spoken out publicly against abortion on several occasions and thus represents a traditional stance of Catholic teaching. Furthermore, he is confident that relations between Washington and the Vatican will not change significantly. Despite differences, the Vatican continues to see cooperation with the USA as an opportunity to work for the common good and world peace.

US bishops congratulate Trump

The US bishops also congratulated Trump on his victory. In a statement, Archbishop Timothy Broglio, President of the Bishops' Conference, emphasised the importance of democracy in the USA. Now it is important to move from the election campaign phase to governing in a peaceful manner. As with the election of Joe Biden four years ago, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops was largely neutral. The Catholic Church is not allied with any particular political party and looks forward to working with all elected representatives, emphasised Broglio.

It is the duty as Christians and as Americans "to treat each other with charity, respect and courtesy, even though we may disagree on matters of public policy". The United States is blessed with many gifts and must also be concerned about those outside its borders and offer help. In a closing phrased as a prayer for Donald Trump, Broglio also emphasised a commitment to the most vulnerable in society, "including the unborn, the poor, the vulnerable, the elderly and infirm, and migrants".

In a separate statement, the Archbishop of Washington, Cardinal Wilton Gregory, called for a common search for truth, justice and peace. Even if some are now breathing a sigh of relief after the election and others have fears for the future, the way forward lies in "respect for one another and in the God-given dignity that we share". (tmg/KNA)