He noted that this year marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Hungary and the Holy See as well as the 30th anniversary of their re-establishment. He noted that Hungary has not had a papal visit since Pope John Paul II visited the country in 1996.
Áder said Pope Francis’s visit to Sumuleu Ciuc (Csiksomlyó), Romania, last year had been a “tremendous success” among Catholics, adding that the pontiff “would surely receive a similarly loving welcome from Hungarian believers”.
Pope Francis indicated that he would be glad to visit Hungary. “His reaction cannot be considered a full commitment but it was more than a polite comment on the invitation,” he said.
Áder confirmed the invitation during his meeting with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin. The cardinal said that it would be an honour for him to accompany the pope on his visit to Budapest.
MTI
Photos: Tamás Kovács/MTI
