VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict XVI on Tuesday sent a message to US president-elect Barack Obama urging him to seek "understanding, co-operation and peace" among countries.

"I pray that you will be confirmed in your resolve to promote understanding, co-operation and peace among the nations, so that all may share in the banquet of life which God wills to set for the whole human family," he said, quoting from the Book of Isaiah.

"I offer cordial good wishes, together with the assurance of my prayers that Almighty God will grant you unfailing wisdom and strength in the exercise of your high responsibilities," the message said.

Obama inherits an economy in crisis, wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and a conflict in the Middle East where the United States has a key role -- even though its standing is considered lower than at any time for decades.

Benedict also stressed that he hoped Obama's presidency would see the building of a "truly just and free society, marked by respect and dignity and rights of each... especially the poor, the outcast and those who have no voice."