Archbishop Jose Gomez, president of the U.S.C.C.B., wished the new president well, but he also condemned the nation’s second Catholic president’s support for abortion rights.

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.

Read President Joseph R. Biden's Inaugural Address.

“My deepest prayer for you today, as a priest, citizen and friend, is that you always remember that the Lord is near.”