President Obama celebrated Pope Francis on his 80th birthday Friday, noting the work the leader of the Catholic Church has done to fight climate change — an issue on which the president has dedicated a lot of work during his second term.
“As he marks his 80th birthday tomorrow, I join the American people in extending our best wishes to His Holiness Pope Francis. In both word and deed, Pope Francis has inspired people around the world with his message of compassion, hope, and peace. He has called on us to see ourselves in one another, reach out to those who are at the margins of society, extend mercy, and care for the planet we all share,” Obama said in a statement Friday evening.
Obama also praised Francis for his help in normalizing relations between the U.S. and Cuba over the past two years.
“Guided by his humble example, may the people of the world move forward together toward true justice and peace for all God’s children,” Obama finished.
The pope visited Washington, D.C., and other U.S. cities in September of 2015.
