AMBASSADOR OF HUNGARY PRESENTS LETTERS OF CREDENCE

VATICAN CITY, FEB 8, 1999 (VIS) - The Pope today received the Letters of Credence from the new ambassador of the Republic of Hungary, Pal Tar. In his speech, he asked that the millennium of the founding of the Hungarian State, which will be celebrated in the year 2000, "be an occasion for all to affirm their unity and look to the future with trust."

The Pope expressed his gratitude for the efforts which the country's authorities are making to "give the Catholic Church the means to assure its spiritual mission," and to return "the goods which were unjustly taken from her."

"Your compatriots," he continued, "know that thanks to their religious, cultural and human roots, they can come through times of trial. ... In their faith in God and in their adherence to Christian values, Hungarians have the means to build the society of the future together."

Referring to religious freedom which has been regained, the Holy Father said that this "cannot but favor the renewal of the nation; ... at the same time, it is the foundation of respect of the other person and their dignity. An essential role belongs to the family. ... Thus, it is fitting to recall ... the fundamental value of all human life, especially of the unborn."

Having affirmed that "the Hungarian people are making an effort to find justice and peace within their borders and in their relations with neighboring countries," John Paul II said that "minorities also should be respected so that their special characteristics be recognized by the national and international communities."

CD;CREDENTIALS;...;HUNGARY; TAR ;VIS;19990208;Word: 270;