VATICAN WANTS TO COOPERATE WITH TRUMP ON PEACE, RELIGIOUS ISSUES AND THE VULNERABLE

VATICAN WANTS TO COOPERATE WITH TRUMP ON PEACE, RELIGIOUS ISSUES AND THE VULNERABLE

A video published today by Rome Reports noted that the Vatican is once again reaching out to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, after remarks made yesterday by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of State. He was speaking this morning at a book presentation, and said he thinks it’s time to give the new president the benefit of the doubt before making rash judgments against him.

CARD. PIETRO PAROLIN: “I think we should give the president time to make whatever decisions he deems appropriate. Personally, I already like the fact that he presented himself the president of everyone, so he left behind, at least in his intentions, all the negative words he said while campaigning. Now we will see what he will do and then we will comment.”

The cardinal thinks that today’s world has many conflicts, and the U.S. should continue to use its voice to facilitate international dialogue. In addition, he made a list of the first issues in which they are willing to collaborate on with Donald Trump.

CARD. PIETRO PAROLIN: “I think that the question of peace is one of the fundamental issues. Next, onto the internal issues of the Church, such as religious freedom, actions taken by Catholics, and paying attention to the most vulnerable in society.”

The cardinal was speaking at the presentation of “In your Eyes is my Word,” a book that compiles Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio’s unpublished speeches and homilies as archbishop of Buenos Aires and before he was elected to the papacy.

This volume was also presented by Chicago’s Cardinal-elect, Archbishop Blase Cupich, who asked not to speak about the new U.S. president.

Earlier on Wednesday morning, following the news of the upset win in the U.S. presidential elections by Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton, the Vatican had its first message for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in the person of Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. He made his remarks to journalists at a conference at Rome’s Lateran University, noting that Trump can be “assured of our prayers that the Lord may enlighten and support him in the service of his country, but also in the service of peace and well-being in the world.” (photo: America)

“We send our congratulations to the new president,” said the secretary of State, “in the hope that “his government may bear real fruit.” Cardinal Parolin said it would be premature to comment on specific issues such as immigration, noting that the views of presidential candidates often differ from their policies once they become president. However, he did state that Trump had already spoken “in leadership style,” adding that people must work togather to change today’s world with its “grave wounds and serious conflicts.”   (sources: Rome Reports, Vatican Radio)