By Christopher R. Altieri for the Editors

US President Joseph R. Biden has assumed office under some of the most trying circumstances in living memory. He shall have our prayers, and – we hope – those of persons of good will around the world, for whom American leadership is indispensable.

He has those of Pope Francis, who wrote to extend “cordial good wishes” along with “assurance of ... prayers that Almighty God will grant you wisdom and strength in the exercise of your high office.”

“Under your leadership,” Pope Francis also prayed, “may the American people continue to draw strength from the lofty political, ethical and religious values that have inspired the nation since its founding.”