He stressed the need for peace, economic stability, and Hungary’s commitment to an independent foreign policy.Continue reading
According to Hungarian state news agency MTI, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán attended a papal audience at the Vatican on December 4. The Vatican press office announced that the Holy Father met with Mr. Orbán at 8 a.m. in the Paul VI Hall.
This morning, the Prime Minister attended a mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, about which he wrote on his social media page. In his post, he called for the possibility to grab the chance for peace.
Following the audience with the Head of the Catholic Church, Viktor Orbán was received by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, and Mirosław Wachowski, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
The meeting was described as cordial, with both sides praising Hungary’s strong bilateral relations with the Vatican and acknowledging the Catholic Church’s commitment to societal development and well-being in Hungary.
According to Vatican News, Prime Minister Orbán’s fourth meeting with Pope Francis, after prior discussions in 2021, 2022, and 2023, focused on key issues including the war in Ukraine and Hungary’s EU presidency in 2024. The meeting, which had been rescheduled due to the autumn floods in Central Europe, took place before a general audience.
Gifts were exchanged, with Mr. Orbán presenting a Hungarian edition of Life of Jesus Christ. Discussions also highlighted the importance of family and peace efforts.
As Hungary Today earlier reported, in April, during a meeting at the Vatican, President Tamás Sulyok discussed Hungary’s role in preserving Christian values with Pope Francis. The Pope, reflecting on his 2021 visit to Hungary, emphasized the importance of respecting cultural identities within Europe. In his new autobiography, he mentions his visit, noting Hungary’s unique contributions to Europe’s diverse religious landscape.
In 2021, Pope Francis visited the country for the International Eucharistic Congress, organized in Budapest. During his visit, the Pope highlighted the country’s commitment to faith, cultural identity, and European unity. His message emphasized the significance of Eucharistic devotion and the importance of religious communities fostering unity and peace. The Pope also met with Hungarian officials, including former President Katalin Novák, reinforcing Hungary’s role in preserving Christian values.
Via MTI; Featured Image: MTI / Vatican Media