Pope Francis told USPresident JoeBidenon Wednesday that he was praying that God would guide his efforts to bring reconciliation in the United States and among the nations of the world.
In a message sent shortly after the second Catholic USpresident was sworn in, Francis also said he hopedBidenwould work towards a society marked by true justice, freedom and respect for the rights and dignity of every person, especially the poor, the vulnerable and those with no voice.
They were among the almost 75 million Americans who voted for Donald Trump and refuse to recognise JoeBiden's presidential victory as legitimate.
AFP spoke to some Trump supporters about what they think Trump will do next and what they believe life will be like under the new Democratic administration.
"When Trump was inaugurated, I was so happy," said Gia Maxson, a yoga teacher and devout Catholic from Hickory, North Carolina.
"I went to two Trump rallies. They were wonderful, uplifting, positive experiences," she added.
Joe Biden on Wednesday became the 46th president of the United States, vowing a "new day" for the United States after four years of tumult under Donald Trump who in an extraordinary final act snubbed the inauguration.
Now, there will be an inaugural parade, following which Biden and Harris will have a presidential escort from 15th Street to the White House including the US Army Band, a Joint Service Honor Guard and the commander in chief's Guard and Fife Drum Corps.
Outgoing USVice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen attended the inauguration of new PresidentJoeBidenon Wednesday after skipping both a farewell ceremony for Donald Trump and the usual protocol of welcoming his successor to his home at the Naval Observatory.
Pence, whom some of Trump's supporters during the deadly Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol had threatened to hang for refusing to try to overturnBiden's Electoral College win in Congress, applauded the next vice president, Kamala Harris, as she arrived at the USCapitol. Trump skipped the inauguration.