Pope Francis calls on Trump to work for "well-being and peace of the world"

Nick Squires in Romewrites: 

Pope Francis suggested Mr Trump was "not a Christian" because of his plan to build a border wall between the US and Mexico CREDIT: ALESSAANDRO BIANCHI/REUTERS

"We note with respect the will of the American people," said Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, in a statement.The Vatican has congratulated Donald Trump on his victory in the US elections.

The Holy See said it sends prayers to the president-elect, saying that it hopes he will work for the "well-being and peace of the world".

The Vatican clashed with Mr Trump during the election campaign after Pope Francis suggested that the Republican candidate was "not a Christian" because of his plan to build a border wall between the US and Mexico.

The Pope said in February that: "A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian."

The remarks infuriated Mr Trump, who called them "disgraceful".

"For a religious leader to question a person's faith is disgraceful," he said.

"They should be ashamed of themselves."

The Vatican on Wednesday said it would wait to see whether Mr Trump fulfilled his promises to build the Mexico border wall. "It's one thing to be a candidate, but another to be president," said Cardinal Parolin. "On specific issues, we will see what his choices will be.