.-
Here is the text of the telegram sent by John Paul II to George W. Bush to congratulate him on his inauguration as president of the United States.
***
The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States of America
The White House
Washington, DC
On the occasion of your inauguration as the forty-third president of the United States of America I send warm greetings and good wishes, together with the assurance of my prayers that Almighty God will grant you wisdom and strength of purpose in the exercise of your high office. As the world faces the challenges of the new millennium I pray that under your leadership the American people will discover in their rich religious and political heritage the spiritual values which will provide clear direction and a sound ethical foundation for building a society marked by authentic justice and freedom, with unfailing respect for the dignity and rights of each individual, especially the poor, the defenseless and those who have no voice. I likewise ask God, the Father of the nations, to guide your efforts to foster understanding, cooperation and peace among the peoples of the world. Upon you and your family, and upon the beloved American people I cordially invoke the Lord´s abundant blessings.
Ioannes Paulus PP. II
