(ZENIT News / Washington, 01.21.2025).- In a ceremony steeped in tradition yet marked by contemporary ideological divides, the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump, was inaugurated for his second term. Among the spiritual voices offering blessings that day was an participant: Father Frank Mann, a catholic priest from the Diocese of Brooklyn.
Clad in a red and gold stole, Father Mann described the event as a “pivotal moment in history.” His presence on the stage underscored a unique bond that had formed years earlier—an improbable friendship with Trump that began with an act of quiet compassion.
A Friendship
Father Mann first crossed paths with the Trump family in an unexpected way. While visiting a cemetery in Queens, New York, he noticed the neglected state of the Trump family burial site and began tending to it. His thoughtful gesture caught the attention of Trump, leading to a personal meeting in 2020.
The priest’s simple act of care sparked a relationship characterized by mutual respect. Trump invited Father Mann to his New Jersey summer residence in 2022 and later welcomed him back for dinner at his Bedminster golf club. Their friendship deepened as the priest blessed Ivana Trump’s grave and offered counsel on engaging Catholic voters, a demographic that proved pivotal in Trump’s successful re-election campaign.
Faith and Symbolism at the Core of the Inauguration
The inauguration was a mosaic of religious, cultural, and historical references. Trump began the day with a service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, a tradition among U.S. presidents since James Madison. The ceremony itself featured blessings from a diverse array of faith leaders, including Cardinal Timothy Dolan, whose impassioned prayer echoed through the Capitol Rotunda.
🇺🇸🏳️🌈Presidente Trump declares end of LGBT+ gender ideology in the United States
During his inauguration speech, the new president of the USA ended the imposition of gender ideology by declaring that only two genders will be recognized in the United States: male and female pic.twitter.com/XWOMue54NE
— ZenitEnglish (@zenitenglish) January 21, 2025
Trump’s oath of office was taken with two Bibles: his childhood Revised Standard Version gifted by his mother and the historic Lincoln Bible, used by Abraham Lincoln during his first inauguration. This symbolic gesture linked Trump to pivotal moments in American history, reaffirming themes of continuity and national identity.
A message against gender ideology
Trump’s inaugural address reflected his commitment to reshaping the nation’s policies, particularly in the realm of social and cultural issues. Declaring an end to “government-imposed gender ideology,” he announced a directive to recognize only two biological sexes, a policy aimed at restoring what he described as “biological truth.” The order, dubbed “Defending Women from Gender Extremism,” was met with both acclaim.
The silent influence of a priest and a message from the Pope
Father Mann’s participation in the inauguration was more than ceremonial. As a spiritual advisor and advocate for unity, his role underscored the enduring influence of faith in American public life.
Reflecting on his friendship with the president, Father Mann remarked, “He’s a regular guy with a great sense of humor. He asked what he could do for me, and I told him I didn’t need anything.” This simplicity and authenticity resonated with Trump, who publicly supported Father Mann’s children’s book, «The Wounded Butterfly», on his social media platform.
Pope Francis, in a telegram to Trump, expressed hope that his leadership would foster a more just and inclusive society, free from hate and discrimination. The pontiff’s message offered a counterpoint to the polarized political climate, emphasizing unity and compassion.
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