The Catholic Church leader listened to the stories of refugees, including that of a father of five who fled the Russian war of aggression. The Pope then thanked Hungary for “housing so many refugees from Ukraine not only with generosity but also with enthusiasm”. At the same time, Francis emphasized the need to “show compassion for everyone”.
While the government of right-wing nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban otherwise pursues a strict anti-migration policy, it has allowed more than two million Ukrainians into the country since the Russian war of aggression began. Most of them, however, traveled on to other countries.
Only around 35,000 Ukraine refugees applied for the “temporary protection” that applies to them in the EU within Hungary. Nevertheless, activists complain about the insufficient support for refugees in Hungary.
Prime Minister Orban has close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin and has refused to condemn his war against Ukraine. Hungary also plays a special role in the EU by not providing military aid to Ukraine and criticizing EU sanctions against Russia.
In a speech in the presence of Orban on Friday, Francis warned of increasing nationalism and called for a return to the “European spirit”. Europe must find “safe and legal” ways of taking in refugees and “show openness towards others”.
Despite persistent knee pain that forces him to use a wheelchair, the Pope appeared to be in good shape. On Saturday he also visited children with disabilities and the Greek Catholic community. Later he wanted to speak to around 11,000 young people in a stadium.
A total of six public appearances by the pope were planned during the three-day visit to Hungary, including a large open-air service on Sunday. It is the Pope’s second visit to Hungary in two years.
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