On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on the seventh anniversary of his election. Pope Benedict has worked tirelessly to unite people of different beliefs through a shared faith in humanity and peace.
For the past twenty-eight years, the United States and the Holy See have worked together to promote peace, fight hunger, alleviate poverty, and curb the flow of trafficking in persons. On this anniversary, we reflect on all that we have accomplished, and recommit ourselves to the work that remains. Congratulations and best wishes as you continue a historic tradition of tolerance and global understanding.
