Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Benedict XVI has sent a personal message of best wishes to Barack Obama on the day of his swearing in as the 44th President of the United States.

As Washington and the entire nation celebrate a day that has been described by the majority of commentators as historic, the Pope assures his personal prayers for the new resident of the White House for the “high responsibilities” entrusted him.  In his telegram the pontiff urges Obama’s commitment to “promote understanding, cooperation and peace among the nations” and “respect for the dignity, equality and rights of each member of society”.

Below the full text of Benedict XVI’s telegram to Barack Obama (English translation by AsiaNews).

“On the occasion of your inauguration as the forty-fourth President of the United States of America I offer cordial good wishes, together with the assurance of my prayers that almighty God will grant you unfailing wisdom and strength in the exercise of your high responsibilities. Under your leadership may the American people continue to find in their religious and political heritage the spiritual values and ethical principles needed to cooperate in the building of a truly just and free society, marked by respect for the dignity, equality and rights of each of its members, especially the poor, the outcast and those who have no voice. At a time when so many of our brothers and sisters throughout the world yearn for liberation from the scourge of poverty, hunger and violence I pray that you will be confirmed in your resolve to promote understanding, cooperation and peace among the nations, so that all may share in the banquet of life which God wills to set for the whole human family (cf. Isaiah 25:6-7). Upon you and your family, and upon all the American people, I willingly invoke the Lord’s blessings of joy and peace.”.