Pope Francis, beginning a trip to Hungary, warned on Friday of the dangers of growing nationalism in Europe and told the government in Budapest that accepting immigrants along with the rest of the continent would be a true sign of Christianity.
In a scathing address to government leaders, including Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has had a series of run-ins with the European Union, Francis also called for the rejection of “self-referential forms of populism” and narrowly nationalist interests.
Francis has called for a return to the “European soul” envisioned by those who laid the foundations for modern Europe after World War II, saying countries must “look beyond national borders”.
Speaking on the day Russia hit Ukraine with its first large-scale airstrikes in nearly two months, Francis made another call for an end to war in the country, calling for “creative efforts for peace” to crack down the “war soloists”.
The three-day visit is the first by the 86-year-old pope since he was hospitalized in March with bronchitis.
With a cheerful air, Francisco, who has a knee problem, used a cane to walk when he met the children in national costumes at the airport. In recent arrivals, he has used a wheelchair.
When asked by reporters about his state of health on the flight from Rome, the pope joked that “I’m still alive” and “stubborn weeds never die.”
Orbán and the pope have differing views on how to manage immigration from the Middle East and Africa to Europe, with Francis believing that migrants fleeing poverty should be welcomed.
Orbán, whose government has built a steel fence along the Serbian border to keep migrants out, has refused to allow Hungary to become an “immigrant country” as he says others in Europe have become.
He asked Francis in 2021, during the pope’s last visit, “not to let Christian Hungary perish”.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
