Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, expressed hope the incoming administration "will work with the church and others of goodwill."

Amid the somber ceremonies, perhaps today we can wave goodbye to our starchy past.

If all the nominees the president-elect has chosen are confirmed, the Cabinet will have diverse religious backgrounds. The majority are Catholic, with five Jews, two Black Baptists and two Hindus.

The story of Joe Biden can be told in many ways. But from my vantage point, it is the story of one soul’s journey from darkness to light, from Good Friday to Easter Sunday.

Read President Joseph R. Biden's Inaugural Address.

In a message to the second Catholic president, Pope Francis prayed that Joe Biden would work to heal the divisions in U.S. society and promote human dignity and peace around the globe.