Six religious leaders participated in U.S. President Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. Unlike the 2017 ceremony, this year’s event featured an equal representation of Catholic and evangelical pastors, along with a rabbi, who offered prayers for the 47th President of the United States.
Washington, D.C. – January 22, 2025 – President Donald Trump’s second inauguration featured a blend of secular tradition and sacred elements, with prominent religious leaders offering prayers to mark the historic occasion.
The ceremony, held at the U.S. Capitol, included an invocation led by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, and Rev. Franklin Graham, a longtime Trump supporter and influential evangelical leader. The benediction featured prayers from Rabbi Ari Berman, Rev. Lorenzo Sewell, and Rev. Frank Mann, each representing different faith traditions and calling for unity, compassion, and national strength.
Invocation: Setting the Tone
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, a widely respected Catholic leader, was among those leading the opening prayers. While he did not endorse Trump in the 2024 election, Dolan previously participated in Trump’s first inauguration in 2017. His prayer, drawn from the Book of Wisdom, reflected on themes of leadership and divine guidance.
Joining Dolan in the invocation was Rev. Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Unlike Dolan, Graham has been a vocal Trump supporter, frequently appearing at campaign events and rallies. His prayer focused on gratitude, unity, and faith, echoing Trump’s campaign message of national renewal.
Benediction: A Call for Unity
Following Trump’s inaugural address, three religious leaders offered closing prayers. Rabbi Ari Berman, president of Yeshiva University, called for unity and national prosperity, emphasizing the role of America’s foundational values in shaping a compassionate and faith-driven society. In a statement before the event, Yeshiva University highlighted Berman’s message of unity as central to the benediction.
Rev. Lorenzo Sewell, senior pastor of 180 Church in Detroit, was another key figure in the ceremony. Sewell, who previously spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention, highlighted the importance of faith in overcoming national challenges and fostering a spirit of collaboration across communities.
Rounding out the ceremony was Rev. Frank Mann, a retired Catholic priest from Brooklyn, New York. Mann’s inclusion in the event stemmed from an unexpected friendship with Trump, which began after Mann contacted the former president in 2020 regarding the upkeep of family gravesites in Queens. Their relationship continued in the years following, with Trump consulting Mann on issues important to Catholic voters leading up to the 2024 election.
Trump’s Oath of Office
President Trump took the presidential oath with two Bibles—one that belonged to his late mother and the other a gift from his childhood Sunday school. As in his first inauguration, he concluded the oath with the phrase “so help me God,” underscoring the role of faith in his leadership.
Religious Leaders in Attendance
In addition to those offering prayers, other prominent faith leaders attended the inauguration, including Elders Gary E. Stevenson and Gerrit W. Gong of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their presence highlighted the broad religious support Trump received from various faith communities.
A Nation Guided by Faith
As Trump embarks on his second term, the inclusion of diverse religious voices at his inauguration sends a strong message of national unity grounded in faith. The prayers offered by leaders from multiple religious backgrounds underscored a shared hope for peace, prosperity, and moral leadership in the years ahead.
“Our country stands at a critical juncture, and faith will continue to guide our path forward,” said Rev. Graham after the ceremony.
As the nation watches the unfolding of Trump’s second term, many will look to faith leaders for continued inspiration and guidance.
As per tradition, President Trump took the oath of office with his right hand placed on two Bibles: the historic Lincoln Bible—used by President Abraham Lincoln in 1861 and by Barack Obama in 2009 and 2013—and a personal Bible gifted to him by his mother during his childhood.
Religious Leaders Offer Blessings for the New Administration
The ceremony featured an equal representation of Catholic and evangelical Christian leaders, in contrast to Trump’s 2017 inauguration, where evangelicals were more prominently featured.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York, delivered the opening prayer. Although not known to be close to Trump, Dolan had previously participated in the 2017 inauguration. Speaking to a New York television station earlier this month, Dolan said, “The president was kind enough to ask me to deliver the opening prayer again, and I was honored to accept.”
Another prominent Catholic figure, Father Frank Mann, a retired priest from the Diocese of Brooklyn and a personal friend of Trump, gave one of the final blessings. Their friendship reportedly began when Father Mann cared for the graves of Trump’s parents, an act that led to an ongoing relationship.
On the evangelical side, Pastor Franklin Graham, son of the late evangelist Billy Graham and a staunch Trump supporter, offered an invocation. Pastor Lorenzo Sewell, leader of the interdenominational 180 Church in Detroit, Michigan, also delivered a benediction.
Additionally, Rabbi Ari Berman, president of Yeshiva University in New York, represented the Jewish faith with a blessing. His prayer called for national unity and highlighted America’s shared values of faith and compassion.
Looking Ahead
With his second term now underway, President Trump vowed to prioritize national security, economic growth, and expanding diplomatic efforts such as the Abraham Accords. Religious leaders who participated in the inauguration expressed hope for unity and healing in the nation following a contentious election season.
The ceremony concluded with a rendition of the national anthem, followed by the traditional inaugural luncheon with congressional leaders and distinguished guests.