Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I offer heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness Pope Francis on the eleventh anniversary of his election to the See of Rome.

The United States and the Holy See are united by common values such as respect for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression, as well as dignity for all. We continue to work together to address the challenges of climate change, human trafficking, food security, and the humanitarian effects of conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, and elsewhere.

Today, I join millions of Americans in congratulating the Holy Father on this anniversary as he continues his work of leading the Catholic Church and inspiring people around the globe to seek peace, charity, and compassion.