Pope Francis extends prayers, 'cordial greetings' to Trump ahead of inaugural ceremony

"I ask God to guide your efforts in promoting peace and reconciliation among peoples," Pope Francis said in a message addressed to the president-elect.

"Inspired by your nation's ideals of being a land of opportunity and welcome for all, it is my hope that under your leadership the American people will prosper and always strive to build a more just society, where there is no room for hatred, discrimination or exclusion."

Pope Francis continued on to "ask God to guide your efforts in promoting peace and reconciliation among peoples" amid "numerous challenges" and "the scourge of war."

"With these sentiments," Pope Francis continued, "I invoke upon you, your family, and the beloved American people an abundance of divine blessings."

Pope Francis criticized Trump's deportation policy just one day prior, saying Sunday on an evening television program, "If true, this will be a disgrace."

During the pontiff's annual "state of the world" address earlier this month, Francis pointed to "fake news" as the root of division and distrust in society that ultimately led to two attempts on Trump's life in 2024. 

"This phenomenon generates false images of reality, a climate of suspicion that foments hate, undermines people's sense of security, and compromises civil coexistence and the stability of entire nations. Tragic examples of this are the attacks on the chairman of the government of the Slovak Republic and the president-elect of the United States of America," he said.

Fox News Digital's Adam Shaw, Gabriel Hays and the Associated Press contributed to this report.