Statement by the President on the 80th Birthday of His Holiness Pope Francis

[Sunlei]

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary


For Immediate Release

December 16, 2016

As he marks his 80th birthday tomorrow, I join the American people in extending our best wishes to His Holiness Pope Francis. In both word and deed, Pope Francis has inspired people around the world with his message of compassion, hope, and peace. He has called on us to see ourselves in one another, reach out to those who are at the margins of society, extend mercy, and care for the planet we all share.

It was my great honor to welcome His Holiness to the White House last year and to work together on common causes.

I remain especially grateful for his invaluable support for our work to normalize relations between the United States and Cuba, which I announced on December 17 two years ago. Guided by his humble example, may the people of the world move forward together toward true justice and peace for all God’s children.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/12/16/statement-president-80th-birthday-his-holiness-pope-francis

[Ilsa]

1. What a lovely message.

I shudder to think what Trumputin will be tweeting on these occasions in the future. Sure, someone on staff will be making the formal announcements, but we know that no one is going to stop him from doing or saying what he wants.

[Sunlei]

2. Obama made a lovely statement. A good reminder about how much the Pope helped 'us' & Cuba.

[Cha]

3. Thank you for this heartfelt message to

Pope Francis, President Obama. He really has done so much goodness in the world.

Hope we're able to only progress on his assistance with normalizing relations with Cuba!

Mahalo, Sunlei~

[Aristus]

4. Donald Trump's concurrent message:

"WORST POPE EVER!! Guy calls himself a Christian, but all he ever does is wash feet! Jesus didn't wash people's feet! Only losers wash people's feet. LOSERS! Jesus kicked Roman ass! Bigly! It's right there in Two Corinthians! Pope Francesca needs to stop hanging around with losers and get with the program! Hope his birthday SUCKS! LOSER!"

[Sunlei]

5. trumps not a religious man but the Pope still loves him.