Vatican sends Obama good wishes

VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI sent Barack Obama a personal note Wednesday, saying he would pray for God's blessings on the American people and on the new president-elect after his historic victory.

Benedict's spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, told journalists that Obama will receive the message later in the day when it is relayed through the U.S. ambassador to the Vatican.

Lombardi declined to release the text of the message, calling the note a personal one. But he did speak of its contents, without quoting from it at length.

The message calls the U.S. presidential victory a historic occasion, and offers warm wishes to Obama, his wife and family, Lombardi said.

"The pope expresses the wish that the blessing of God will support him (Obama) and the American people so that with all people of goodwill, a world of peace, solidarity and justice can be built," the spokesman said.

The message assures Obama of his prayers so that God will assist him in his great responsibilities for American and the world, Lombardi said.

The Vatican clearly has differences with some of Obama's positions, such as his support of legalized abortion. On the other hand the Vatican, like Obama, opposed the Iraq war.

Normal Vatican protocol is to send a telegram of congratulations on inauguration day, but the Vatican decided to join the many wishes pouring in from around the world immediately after the Democrat's victory in Tuesday's U.S. election, Lombardi said.

Earlier, Lombardi told The Associated Press in a telephone interview that the Vatican said it hoped Obama would work to promote peace and justice in the world.

"All of us are hoping that Obama will be able to meet the expectations and hopes directed at him," said Lombardi.

The Vatican hopes the man elected to be the United States' first black president would "work for the cause of rights and justice, finding suitable ways to promote peace in the world, fostering people's development and dignity while respecting essential human and spiritual values," the Vatican spokesman said.

"Faithful are praying so that God may enlighten him and give him a hand in his huge responsibility, so that he will govern well," Lombardi said.