Pope Francis received numerous pilgrims from Hungary and recalled his pastoral visit there a year ago. The Pope strongly calls for imitating the saints and becoming people of peace. “I am very grateful to you for opening your hearts to Ukrainian refugees,” the pope said.
(Vatican News Network) On April 25, Pope Francis received about 1,200 pilgrims from Hungary at the Paul VI Hall, saying that he had visited Hungary as a “pilgrim, brother and friend.” Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok was also present and met with the Pope in the study room of the Paul VI Hall that morning.
Joy is born from peace
Recalling his pastoral visit to Hungary a year ago, Pope Francis noted that peace is the path that all people should follow. Peace is the peace given to the apostles by the resurrected Christ.
“Brothers and sisters, let us not forget that this great gift begins within each of us, at the doorstep of our home; before I leave the house, I decide whether I want to spend the day in peace, that is, in peace with others. When When I decided to forgive, peace was born, and although it was difficult at times, it filled my heart with joy.”
Pope Francis thanks for hosting Ukrainian refugees
When it comes to peace, the Pope’s eye is once again on those who live on the margins of society, including, naturally, neighboring Ukraine.
“I thank you for opening your heart to displaced Ukrainian refugees who have been uprooted from their homes by the war. I also greatly appreciate your efforts to help integrate those who live on the margins of society.”
Build a hopeful future
Pope Francis repeated a prayer he delivered in Budapest a year ago, praising the city as “a beautiful city of saints and bridges.” The Pope cited the saints Stephen, Ladislao, Elizabeth and Emeric, asking them to pray for Europe, that Europe may have “the desire to build peace, may it be left to The future of the next generation of young people is filled with hope rather than war, with cradle rather than grave, with friendship rather than walls.”
God’s style: care, gentleness, mercy
The Pope exhorts everyone to imitate the many heroes of faith in the current historical context, including people from Hungary, and to live “the style of God”, that is, closeness, gentleness and mercy. Among them was Blessed Vilmos Apor, who paid with his life for his care and defense of refugee women. The young priest János Brener, out of apostolic zeal, went to deliver Holy Communion to a man who claimed to be a patient. He did not suspect that this was a trap, but he was brutally murdered.
Find the roots and lay the foundation for the future
“It is more blessed to give than to receive,” the Pope said in Hungarian, and urged us to bear witness to faith in the following situations: “The Church promotes ecumenism and neighborliness in neighborly relations, To accept those who are different from us with charity, to respect everyone’s life, and to care for the environment responsibly.” In fact, in giving we can find ourselves and life will not become empty. The Pope explained to the young people present the importance of roots.
“I encourage you to walk in dialogue with those who came before you, talk to your grandparents, your elders; you seek your roots so that you can build a solid foundation for your future. In protecting your roots, you will be able to move forward with confidence , while reinforcing those values that create life: family, unity, peace.”
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