Vatican City - Pope Benedict XVI in a telegram on Tuesday offered US president-elect Barack Obama prayers that God may grant him "unfailing wisdom and strength" in carrying out his new responsibilities.

"Under your leadership may the American people continue to find in their impressive religious and political heritage the spiritual values and ethical principles needed to cooperate in the building of a truly just and free society," Benedict told Obama just a few hours before the inauguration ceremonies.

Washington, D. C, Jan. 20 : A new era would begin in the history of United States in a few moments from now with Barack Hussein Obama taking oath of office and secrecy at the steps of Capitol at (1700 GMT) as the 44th President of the United States of America.

Ahead of the ceremony the President-elect visited St. George Church here for a private prayer service.

He will take charge as the first African American to be elected President of the United States by replacing George W. Bush.

Washington - Denzel Washington, the actor who helped shape the image of the modern African-American on the big screen, Tuesday said Barack Obama's inauguration as the 44th US president was a tribute to the sacrifices of civil rights activists who went before him.

"We waited a long time to get here, but we have to be involved. It's about all of us," Washington told reporters.

Washington - In his waning hours as a civilian Tuesday, president-elect Barack Obama sought the spiritual solace of church in a Washington thrumming with the happy cheers of human masses.

At noon (1700 GMT), Obama will become commander-in-chief of the US military as the first black US president, when he must tackle the unprecedented challenges of two wars and plummeting economy.

Following inaugural tradition, Obama, 47, and his wife Michelle, 45, dressed in a yellow sheath and matching coat, left Blair House, where White House guests stay, to attend services at nearby St John's Episcopal Church.

Washington, January 20 : `Grease' actress Olivia Newton-John has insisted that her friend John Travolta and wife Kelly Preston be left alone as they mourn the tragic death of their son.

The heartbroken celebrity couple bade their 16-year-old Jett a final goodbye after the teenager died from a seizure during a family holiday in the Bahamas on January 2.

The singer expressed her sorrow over the tragedy and urged the media to respect the family's privacy.

Washington, January 20 : Sienna Miller has reportedly left the new Robin Hood movie after being dubbed too young to star as Maid Marian opposite Russell Crowe.

The 27-year-old, apparently, did not fit well in "Nottingham" to be directed by Ridley Scott, who was said to be on the look out for someone more in the range of "35 to 40" to play Crowe's love interest.

The latest retelling of the epic was claimed to have had its own set of issues, including reached a 40-million-dollar cost - even when the project is yet to begin.