Hungary's Cardinal emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit and the hope of resurrection in shaping a meaningful papal election.Continue reading
American-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the new head of the Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. The announcement was met with messages of support from Hungarian leaders and religious organizations.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán reacted to the news on social media on Thursday evening, writing: “We have a pope! We have hope!”
Habemus Papam! A new hope.
God bless Pope Leo XIV. ️— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) May 8, 2025
In a Friday interview on Kossuth Radio, he explained his personal and political interest in the Vatican’s role:
I follow the events in the Vatican for two reasons: on the one hand, the Vatican is part of international diplomatic life. On the other hand, as a believer, I also follow it because spiritual guidance is necessary,”
The Prime Minister said that Pope Leo XIV is likely to continue the work of Pope Francis, so he does not expect any major changes. From Hungary’s point of view, he said it was important to have a spiritual leader.
We need moral and religious guidance in the world when Christian values are under attack,”
he added.
According to the Prime Minister, Protestants also need someone to listen to, someone who provides moral and religious guidance.
Head of state Tamás Sulyok also welcomed the election, writing on X:
White smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel and a new pope would take his place in St. Peter’s Chair. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost will begin his papacy as Leo
Hungary welcomes the new pope!
White smoke has risen from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel – Saint Peter’s chair has a new successor.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost begins his pontificate under the name Leo XIV.
May his service be a blessing to the whole world! pic.twitter.com/4jJxgBCFzP
— Dr. Tamás Sulyok (@DrTamasSulyok) May 8, 2025
Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Péter Szijjártó also offered his congratulations, writing
Habemus Papam! We pray to God to grant Pope Leo the strength and courage to lead the world towards peace in these troubled times.”
Habemus Papam! We pray to God to grant Pope Leo the strength and courage to lead the world towards peace in these troubled times. pic.twitter.com/LhEWik1Tlx
— Péter Szijjártó (@FM_Szijjarto) May 8, 2025
The Ecumenical Council of Churches in Hungary (MEÖT) issued a joint statement expressing prayers for the new pontiff and hope for deepened Christian unity.
We carry Pope Leo XIV in our prayers, asking Almighty God to assist the new bishop of Rome in every moment of his service,”
according to a statement sent to MTI by MEÖT.
They added that they trust that the new head of the Catholic Church will continue the dialogue within the Church begun by his predecessor, so that in a diverse world, we may “speak with appealing love” outside the Church as well, but “in a way that professes our faith.”
They further mentioned that they look forward to Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Hungary, hopefully in the near future, so that “we can strengthen the cooperation between our denominations through our personal meeting.”
Vatican analyst Rocco Palmo noted that the new pope’s social media activity—including his criticism of deportation policies under Donald Trump and Nayib Bukele—signals a likely continuation of Pope Francis’s emphasis on migrant rights and social justice.
Via MTI; Featured Photo: MTI//EPA-ANSA/Ettore Ferrari