Upon the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, I ask Catholics and people of goodwill to pray for all elected leaders as they take on the task of carrying out the nation’s work. We pray also for peace, civility and unity in our nation. The smooth transition of power is a hallmark of our extraordinary American experience and vital to the endurance of our thriving republic.

Please pray that our new President will uphold the truths revealed and proclaimed in the Catholic Faith he professes. May the Lord grant him the wisdom and compassion to protect the most vulnerable, especially the unborn; respect the dignity of all people; uphold the traditional family as the foundation of society; defend the principle of religious freedom upon which this nation was founded; and advocate for the rights of the poor.

May we take this moment to pray that, with God’s grace, we can heal the discord and wounds that exist in our country, communities and even families. May we invoke the prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi in asking, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith … ” We call on all elected and public officials, regardless of party, to transcend political divides in service to the common good. 

In the days ahead, I implore Catholics and people of goodwill to stay engaged in the public square and to be peaceful, yet courageous, in communicating and advocating the truth of our Faith. As always, may we remember that this is One Nation, Under God.