(Nov.13,2008): U.S. President-elect Barack Obama telephoned Pope Benedict XVI to thank
the pontiff for his message of congratulations on his election win. The Pope was one
of the many world leaders Obama has been contacting since his Nov. 4 victory. Vatican
spokesman, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi said that Obama telephoned the Pope Nov.
11 "to thank him for his telegram of congratulations on winning the U.S. presidential
election”. Pope Benedict sent his congratulations Nov. 5, referring to the "historic
occasion" of the election, marking the first time a black man has been elected president
of the United States. Father Lombardi said the Pope prayed that the blessing of God
would sustain Obama and the American people, so that with all people of good will,
they could build a world of peace, solidarity and justice. The press office for
Obama's presidential transition team said all conversations with world leaders are
private and no details would be released on this conversation, or any conversation
with world leaders.