The Pope’s statements seemed to criticize some of these policies, while emphasizing the need for tolerance.
“This is what I wish for you: that the cross be your bridge between the past and the future. Religious sentiment has been the lifeblood of this nation, so tied to its roots. However, the cross , planted on the ground, not only invites us to be well rooted, it also raises and extends its arms to everyone, ”Francis said during his speech as he presided over the closing Mass of the International Eucharistic Congress.
“My wish is that you are like this: grounded and open, rooted and considered,” he added.
Orban’s personal gift to the Pope, however, seemed to underscore his nationalist and anti-immigrant stance: a copy of a 13th-century letter from Hungarian King Bela IV to Pope Innocent IV. The letter called for help from the then Pope to resist the Mongol invasion of Hungary and Europe.
Balazs Orban, deputy minister of the Prime Minister’s Office, described the gift on his Facebook page, saying: “There are many similarities between the situation at that time and today … we should learn from the history “.
The Hungarian leader met with the Pope in private on Sunday, along with Vatican officials and Hungarian President Janos Ader. According to the Vatican, they discussed environmental protection, the promotion of families and the role of the Catholic Church in Hungary.
When he landed in the Hungarian capital earlier that day, Francis said he was glad the papal trips had been “resumed” and that he would bring “word and greetings to many people.”