Pope Francis embarked on a three-day Apostolic journey in Budapest, the Capital City of Hungary. He commenced his journey on April 28th and ended on April 30. He was welcomed by the Hungary Prime Minister on his arrival on Friday morning. Following his arrival, Pope met with Katalin Novák, The president of Hungary, the authorities, and finally the church leaders.
On his second day Apostolic visit, the Pontiff visited the Blessed László Batthyány-Strattmann Institute, where he met with the blind and disabled children of the school.
Inotay György, the school directory who also is organizing Pope Francis’ visit, said in an interview according to Vatican News that “the children are waiting for someone they already know”. While in the school, The Holy Father spoke about accepting realities of life.
“As we walk in our reality as it is, we need to strive ahead exactly in this reality, and this is the Gospel, pure and simple. Jesus came to assume reality as it was and carry it forward.” He said.
Shortly after his meeting with the blind and disabled children, Pope Francis visited St. Elizabeth’s Church in Budapest, where he met with the refugees and underserved people taken care of by the Catholics.
He expressed his closeness to the refugees and the poor after hearing some of their testimonies. Speaking about the need for charity, the pope said
“We need a Church that is fluent in the language of charity, that universal language which everyone can hear and understand, even those farthest from us, even those who are not believers.” He further appreciated the church for their generosity and charity works.
Later on Saturday, the Pontiff concluded his 2nd-day activities in Budapest, by visiting the Apostolic Nunciature where he had a cordial meeting with the Metropolitan Archbishop of Budapest, Archbishop Hilarion.