Welcome to the Vatican News update!
Exciting news as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán graced the Vatican with his presence, engaging in discussions that touched on crucial topics like the war in Ukraine, Hungary’s presidency of the EU Council, and support for young people.
A Meeting of Minds
Today, Pope Francis had a 35-minute meeting with Prime Minister Orbán in the Apostolic Palace. The meeting concluded with a special exchange of gifts, including a remarkable 18th-century map of the Holy Land.
Deep Dives at the Secretariat of State
Accompanied by his wife and Hungary’s ambassador to the Holy See, Orbán met with the Pope before attending the general audience in St. Peter’s Square. Later, he engaged in discussions with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Under-Secretary for Relations with States, Monsignor Mirosław Wachowski.
The talks emphasized the strong bilateral relations between Hungary and the Vatican, acknowledging the Catholic Church’s significant contributions to Hungarian society’s well-being and development. The discussions delved into the war in Ukraine, efforts for peace, Hungary’s EU Council presidency, the importance of family, and the protection of the younger generation.
The Gift Exchange
In the spirit of camaraderie, Pope Francis gifted Orbán with a beautiful terracotta artwork titled Tenderness and Love, along with copies of his papal writings and other significant works. In return, Orbán presented the Pope with a treasured copy of The Life of Jesus Christ and an antique map of the Holy Land from the 1700s.
Stay tuned for more updates from the Vatican News!
