VATICAN CITY – The Vatican’s secretary of state congratulated US president-elect Donald Trump Thursday, while expressing doubt that the Republican had a “magic wand” to end conflicts quickly as promised during the campaign.Â
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“We wish him a lot of wisdom because that is the main virtue of leaders according to the Bible,” Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin told reporters on the sidelines of a conference in Rome.Â
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Asked about Trump’s promise to end the war in Ukraine “within 24 hours”, Parolin replied: “Let’s hope, let’s hope. I believe that not even he has a magic wand.”
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“To end wars, a lot of humility is needed, a lot of willingness is needed, it really is necessary to seek the general interests of humanity rather than concentrate on particular interests,” he said.Â
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To overcome divisions in American society, Parolin said he hoped Trump would be “the president of the whole country”.
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He also hoped he would be “a factor that reduces tension… in the current conflicts that are bloodying the world.”Â
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Parolin’s comments were the first diplomatic reaction from the Holy See to Trump’s win for the White House against Democrat Kamala Harris.
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Pope Francis has not reacted.Â
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In September, the Argentine pope criticised both candidates, accusing them of being “against life” in different ways: for Harris’ support of abortion, and for Trump’s anti-migrant policies.Â
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During his first term in the White House, in May 2017, Trump was received by the Pope at the Vatican for a half-hour meeting.Â
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