WASHINGTON (CNS) – Lay and religious leaders of all stripes reacted to news of Donald J. Trump’s upset win in the Nov. 8 presidential election.

Most expressed hope that Trump would pay attention to their agenda, while others were more decidedly downbeat and still others counseled prayer.

Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., president of the U.S. bishops’ conference, outlined an ambitious agenda in a postelection statement that congratulated Trump and all election victors.

“The bishops’ conference looks forward to working with President-elect Trump to protect human life from its most vulnerable beginning to its natural end. We will advocate for policies that offer opportunity to all people, of all faiths, in all walks of life,” Archbishop Kurtz said.

After Trump clinched the Electoral College majority early Nov. 9, Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston, Mass., tweeted, “Congratulations to President-elect Donald Trump. May God grant you good health, wisdom and courage during your presidency.”

“Regardless of who received our vote, now is the time to be reminded that the strength of our republic lies in our unity as fellow citizens and members of God’s holy family,” said Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Raleigh, North Carolina.

Bishop David A. Zubik of Pittsburgh, Pa., issued a brief statement: “As an American and as a Catholic bishop, I want to assure President-elect Donald Trump of my prayers and those of all faithful Catholics in the Diocese of Pittsburgh as he prepares to lead our country. Likewise, I wish to assure our newly elected or re-elected federal, state and local legislators that we will pray for them to protect and defend human life, dignity, justice, peace, religious freedom and the common good.”