VISIT OF THE PRESIDENT OF HUNGARY: SOCIAL AND ETHICAL REPERCUSSIONS OF THE ECONOMIC CRISIS AND COMMITMENT TO PEACE

Vatican City, 20 September 2013 (VIS) – This morning in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father Francesco received in audience János Áder, president of Hungary, who subsequently went on to meet with 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 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 pursued with decision, in order to bring about a rapid end to the conflict.