Hungary at the Vatican

This morning in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father, Pope Francis received in audience His Excellency János Áder, President of Hungary, who subsequently met with the Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone, S.D.B., accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, in which Hungary’s long Christian tradition was emphasised, satisfaction was expressed for the good relations between the parties in question and the fruitful collaboration between the Catholic Church and the State, also upheld by current Agreements.

The discussions then turned to the international situation, especially the persistent consequences in Europe of the international economic crisis, as well as the need to confront related ethical and social matters. In this context, mention was made of the Hungarian government’s commitment in favour of life and the family.

Finally, the Parties considered matters of common interest such as the protection of Creation and the commitment to peace and religious freedom, paying particular attention to the situation in Syria and the problems faced by Christians in the Middle East, and expressing their hope that the path of dialogue and negotiation may be decisively pursued in order to bring about a rapid end to the conflict.