Joe Biden became the 46th president shortly before noon and used his 21-minute inaugural address to call for unity.

”Through a crucible for the ages, America has been tested anew, and American has risen to the challenge. 

Today we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate but of a cause:  the cause of democracy,” Biden said.

As he takes over a deeply divided country, Biden called on Americans to overcome the chasm.

”We must end this uncivil war that pits red versus blue, rural versus urban, conservative versus liberal.

We can do this if we open our souls instead of hardening our hearts.”

Minutes earlier Kamala Harris, who spent some of her teen years in Montreal, made history, becoming the first Black, South Asian and female U.S. Vice-President.

Past presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush took in the ceremony.

But Biden’s predecessor was long gone, becoming the first president in modern history to boycott his successor’s inauguration.

Before Donald Trump flew to Florida, he said he’ll be watching from a distance and promised he will be back ”in some form.”