Pope Francis marked the second inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump early Monday with a formal message, offering prayers for “wisdom, strength, and protection” for the 47th president of the United States.

In a statement released by the Holy See Press Office in the Vatican, Francis expressed cautious optimism about America’s future under the new Trump administration.

“Inspired by your nation’s ideals of being a land of opportunity and welcome for all, it is my hope that under your leadership the American people will prosper and always strive to build a more just society, where there is no room for hatred, discrimination or exclusion,” the pope said.

He said he prayed for God to guide Mr. Trump’s efforts in “promoting peace and reconciliation among peoples,” while acknowledging the challenges facing the president and the nation. As is common for the pope, he took the opportunity to skewer “the scourge of war.”

On Sunday, Francis had employed a different tone during a televised interview in Italy, where he criticized reports of potential mass deportations in the United States. Speaking on Italian broadcaster Nove’s “Che tempo che fa” program on Sunday, he addressed the plight of undocumented immigrants.

“If this is true, it is a disgrace because it makes the poor unfortunate who have nothing pay the price of imbalance. This is not how things are solved,” Francis said, referring to alleged deportation plans.

It’s not the first time the pontiff has criticized Mr. Trump. In 2016, Francis — the first Latin-American pope — condemned then-President Trump’s plan to stop migrants from crossing the U.S.-Mexico border as “not Christian.”

Mr. Trump responded by calling the pontiff’s comments “disgraceful.” “No leader, especially a religious leader, should have the right to question another man’s religion or faith,” he said in a statement.

Mr. Trump now has pledged to begin deporting millions of illegal immigrants on his first day in office, in what he has called “the largest deportation program in American history.”

On Sunday, Francis pleaded for countries with lower birth rates to begin accepting more migrants: “Italy has an average age of 46 … let migrants in,” he said, noting migrants must be “integrated.”

“If the migrant is not integrated, it is a problem,” he said.

In his message on Monday, the pope invoked “an abundance of divine blessings” on Mr. Trump, his family and the “beloved” American people.

• Emma Ayers can be reached at eayers@washingtontimes.com.