Pope Francis, in message, offers Trump prayers for 'wisdom, strength'

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis on Monday offered well-wishes to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in a traditional message sent ahead of the presidential inauguration ceremony in Washington.

The pontiff, who has previously expressed sharp disagreement with Trump's anti-immigrant rhetoric, said he would pray that God grants Trump "wisdom, strength and protection" as he takes up the presidency again.

"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," said the pope.

(Reporting by Joshua McElwee; Editing by Keith Weir)