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Hungarian Cardinal Péter Erdő undergoes multiple urgent surgeries, misses Lent events
Péter Erdő, Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest Archdiocese and one of the most influential figures in the Hungarian Catholic Church, has undergone several serious and urgent surgical procedures and is currently recovering in hospital, according to multiple Hungarian media reports and church sources.
The 74-year-old cardinal is not in immediate danger, but his condition required significant medical intervention in recent weeks. Sources told 24.hu that Erdő had been feeling unwell for some time before doctors decided surgery was necessary. Following the operations, he remains in satisfactory condition considering his age and illness, and those close to him are hopeful about his recovery.
Because of his hospital treatment and convalescence, the archbishop has cancelled his public appearances during the Lenten period. He did not celebrate the traditional Ash Wednesday Mass at the Esztergom Basilica and is expected to miss further church events in the run-up to Easter. Reports by HVG and Portfolio also confirmed that he is recovering in hospital and unable to attend official programmes.
In an internal circular sent to clergy, Erdő wrote that the surgery had been unexpected. He thanked the surgeons and medical staff for their work and asked fellow priests and believers to pray for him. He added that during Lent, he is offering up his suffering for priestly vocations and for the faithful of the archdiocese.
Erdő has long been a central figure in Hungarian Catholic life. A theologian and professor of canon law, he is also a member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. Ordained in 1975, he became Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest in 2002 and was created a cardinal in 2003 by Pope John Paul II, gaining the right to vote in papal conclaves. In recent years, he has occasionally been mentioned among potential papal candidates.
His name has also surfaced in wider debates about child protection within the Church. Earlier this year, international victim advocacy groups submitted complaints to the Vatican seeking to prevent the elevation of church leaders they believed had mishandled past abuse cases, and Erdő was among those referenced. Last November, he personally met one of the complainants, and both sides later stated they shared a commitment to child protection and supporting those affected.
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