Pope congratulates Obama on re-election

(Nov. 11, 2012) Pope Benedict XVI has congratulated Barack Obama on his second term as the president of the United States. Holy See’s spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi issued a statement on Wednesday saying the Pope sent a message to President Obama through the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, assuring him of his prayer so that God may help him in his “highest responsibilities’ towards the united States and the international community, and that the ideals of freedom and justice that have guided the founders of the United States may continue to shine in the journey of the nation. In personal comments, Fr. Lombardi said that Obama’s re-election as US president has an immense responsibility not only towards his own nation but also toward the entire world, given the role the US plays in the international scene. He wished that President Obama be able to meet the expectations of his countrymen, and that he is able to serve the right to and justice for the good of every person, in respect for human and spiritual values that are needed in promoting the culture of life and religious freedom. Fr. Lombardi also wished that Obama be able to find the best way to effectively promote the material and spiritual welfare of all, and integral human development, justice and peace in the world.