U.S. Congratulates Pope Francis on Anniversary of Election as Bishop of Rome

Catholic News Agency and EWTN News reported on Monday, March 13, 2017, that U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had sent a statement to the Pontiff reading:

On behalf of President Trump and the people of the United States, I offer my congratulations to His Holiness Pope Francis on the fourth anniversary of his election as Bishop of Rome and leader of the Catholic Church.”

Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina was elected Pope on March 13, 2013, and began his pontificate on March 19, the Feast of Saint Joseph, by celebrating his inaugural Mass on St. Peter’s Square.

Secretary of State Tillerson’s statement continued with best wishes for continued collaboration in humanitarian projects:

The United States and the Holy See have worked together for decades to face global challenges such as trafficking in persons, food insecurity, epidemics, and the exploitation of religion as a tool to incite hatred and divide nations. Together we have built vital partnerships and cooperated to advance peace, liberty, and human dignity around the world.”

The conventional diplomatic message implicitly recognized the Pope’s twofold authority: spiritual, as Vicar of Christ and Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church, and temporal, as head of the Vatican City State.

Tillerson’s message concluded:

On this day I join millions of Americans, and people around the world, in congratulating the Holy Father and wishing him continued success in leading the Catholic Church to make a better world for all.”