Day: January 21, 2025

Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th U.S. President on Monday in an indoor ceremony in the Capitol rotunda, eight years after the start of his first term. 

Victories in the popular vote and electoral college last November marked Trump’s historic comeback after his loss to Joe Biden in 2020. Although he did not win the historically blue Empire State, many New Yorkers tuned in on Monday to see the U.S. presidency change hands from Joe Biden to Trump in front of a worldwide audience.

The inauguration ceremony began around 11 a.m. on Capitol Hill, with Chief Justice John Roberts administering the presidential oath of office at noon. The ceremony concluded with a benediction from Father Francis Mann of the Brooklyn Diocese.

An article published last week by The Tablet highlighted Mann’s “unlikely” friendship with Trump. The retired Brooklyn priest and the president reportedly struck up a connection when Mann took an interest in the president’s family gravesite in Queens.

“It was slightly overgrown,” Mann told The Tablet. “I thought this shouldn’t be. This is a historic site. So, I went and bought a weed whacker and some decorations and fixed up the plot. I took a photo and eventually sent it to President Trump.”

Soon after, Mann received a call from Trump inviting him to meet at Trump Tower. Years later, their friendship deepened, culminating in Mann being invited to deliver the benediction at the inauguration.

“Being asked to offer the closing benediction is such an indescribable honor,” Mann told the Diocese of Brooklyn’s official news outlet. “It’s taken me longer than I thought to process having been chosen to be such a significant part of the inauguration’s moment in history.”

Born in Ridgewood, Queens,  Mann spent his pastoral years at St. Luke in Whitestone. Other assignments of his included St. Fidelis in College Point, St. Mark in Sheepshead Bay, St. Rosalia-Regina Pacis in Borough Park, St. Finbar in Bath Beach, and St. Anastasia in Douglaston. He also served as a temporary parochial vicar at Our Lady of Miraculous Medal in Ridgewood, and as a campus minister at Brooklyn College, among other local institutions.

In his benediction, Mann emphasized the importance of unity, compassion, wisdom and fairness as Trump takes back the helm.

“May we all strive to lift one another, supporting our fellow citizens with kindness and empathy, recognizing that together, we can overcome any adversity,” he said to the crowd of political figures, tech executives and foreign leaders. “Grant us the strength to endure, the courage to face our fears, and the clarity to see the light that remains, even when clouds of uncertainty may gather.”

He also encouraged leaders to “be champions for the vulnerable,” and to “build bridges.”

“Inspire our new leaders to be champions for the vulnerable and advocates for those whose voices are often silenced,” Mann said. “May they pursue policies that promote the well-being of all — seeking to build bridges that will foster unity and belonging.”

Notable attendees included former presidents, tech billionaires such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, as well as foreign dignitaries like Argentina’s President Javier Milei and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Democratic New York City Mayor Eric Adams also attended after receiving an alleged last-minute invitation.

In addition to the indoor ceremony, approximately 20,000 Trump supporters gathered at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., to watch the inauguration on projectors.

Mann concluded his benediction by acknowledging Trump’s parents, Mary and Fred, whose gravesite first brought the priest and president together.

“From their place in heaven, may they shield their son from all harm by their loving protection and give him the strength to guide our nation along the path that will make America great again,” he said.