Pontiff receives Hungarian Prime Minister

(December 07, 10) Pope Benedict XVI on Monday received in audience Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbàn, whose government will hold the rotating presidency of the European Union in the first semester of 2011. A communiqué issued by the Vatican press office described the meeting as very cordial. It said Hungary’s prime minister outlined the country’s current social, economic and political situation. The talks also emphasized the importance of the Christian tradition in the life of the nation and the role of the Catholic Church for its renewal. The next semester of the Hungarian presidency of he European Union was then discussed, highlighting some convergences of vision between Hungary and the Holy See on major themes that concern the European Continent. Finally, a few items regarding relations and cooperation in the region were covered.
Later Orbàn also met Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarciscio Bertone and Archbishop Dominiquè Mamberti, Vatican Secretary for relations with States.