Pope Francis receives President of Hungary

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis received the President of Hungary, Janos Ader on Friday. The Press Office of the Holy See issued a statement following the meeting, saying that the Pope and the President focused their discussions on the international situation, especially on persistent consequences of the international economic crisis in Europe, as well as the need to deal with the ethical and social aspects of the crisis. Finally, they treated issues of common interest such as the protection of creation, commitment to peace and religious freedom, with particular attention to the situation in Syria and the problems of Christians in the Middle East, reiterating the hope that parties will prefer to take the path of dialogue and negotiation to put a quick end to the conflict.
Below, please find the full text of the communiqué in English
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In the morning of Friday, 20 September 2013 in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father, Pope Francis received in audience His Excellency János Áder, president of Hungary, who subsequently met 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.