Pope Francis Sends First Official Telegram To President Donald Trump

Pope Francis sent President Donald Trump an official telegram on Inauguration Day ― and the pope wasted no time getting down to business.

Francis used the opportunity to send Trump good wishes and blessings, but also to remind the new president to take care of the poor and marginalized of society.

“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,” Francis said in the telegram.

He then referred to the parable of Lazarus, a poor man who suffered greatly while he lived on earth but who was taken to heaven when he died. Lazurus is often compared to his neighbor, a “rich man” who lived in the lap of luxury on earth, but who was sent to Hades after death.

“At a time when our human family is beset by grave humanitarian crises demanding far-sighted and united political responses, 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,” the pope wrote in the telegram.

Source: HaffingtonPost.com