The Holy Father, Pope Francis, today received in audience Her Excellency Ms Katalin Novák, President of the Republic of Hungary, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, accompanied by Msgr. Mirosław Wachowski, Under-Secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial meeting in the offices of the Secretariat of State, after recalling the Pope’s Apostolic Journey to Budapest, which took place from 28 to 30 April 2023, some topics of common interest were discussed, such as the family and Christian values.

The conversation proceeded with a focus on the war in Ukraine, with special reference to the humanitarian situation and efforts to end the conflict. Finally, the topic of religious freedom and the situation of persecuted Christians in the world was touched upon.

From the Vatican, 25 August 2023