Pope Francis received many pilgrims from Hungary and recalled his pastoral visit there a year ago. The Pope really wants to imitate the saints and be people of peace. “I am very grateful to you for opening your heart to Ukrainian refugees,” the pope said.
(Vatican News Network) On April 25, Pope Francis received around 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 the Pope in the study room of Paul VI Hall that morning.
Joy is born from peace
Remembering his pastoral visit to Hungary a year ago, Pope Francis noted that peace is the path that people should follow. Peace is the peace that the resurrected Christ gave to the apostles.
“Brothers and sisters, let us not forget that this great gift begins within each one of us, at the threshold of our home; before I leave the house, I decide if I would like to spend the day in peace, that is, in the peace of others. 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 eyes are once again on those who live on the fringes of society, including, naturally, the neighboring Ukraine.
“I thank you for opening your heart to Ukrainian refugees who were uprooted from their homes by the war.
Build a hopeful future
Pope Francis repeated a prayer he delivered in Budapest a year ago, praising the city as “a beautiful, holy city and bridges.” The Pope called the saints Stephen, Ladislao, Elizabeth and Emeric, asking them to pray for Europe, that Europe could “desire to build peace, that it would be left until the time to fill the future generation of young people with hope rather than war, with a cradle rather than a grave, with brotherhood rather than walls.”
God’s style: care, kindness, mercy
The Pope asks everyone to imitate the many heroes of faith in the current historical context, including the people of Hungary, who are also living in “God’s style”, that is, care, kindness and mercy. Among them was Blessed Vilmos Apor, who paid with his life for his care and protection for refugee women. The young priest János Brener, out of apostolic zeal, went to deliver Holy Communion to a man who said he was a patient.
Find the roots and lay a foundation for the future
“It is more blessed to give than to receive,” the Pope said in Hungarian, urging us to bear witness to faith in the following situations: “The Church promotes ecumenism and friendship in neighborly relationships, accepting those who are different from us. charity, to respect everyone’s life, and care for the environment sensibly.” Indeed, in giving we find ourselves and life will not be 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, talking to your grandparents, your elders; you seek your roots so that you can build a strong foundation for your future in protecting your roots, you will be able to move forward with confidence, while we reinforce those values that create life: family, unity, peace.”
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2024-04-25 13:02:02
