Pope Francis dies at the age of 88, his legacy lives on in Hungary

Pope Francis, who passed away at 88, leaves a lasting legacy in Hungary, where his visits and messages resonated deeply. Though gone, his influence will continue to inspire Hungary and the world.

A life of faith

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, led the Roman Catholic Church from March 2013 until his passing in 2025 at the age of 88. As the first Jesuit and the first non-European Pope in over a millennium, Pope Francis became a global figure of humility, reform, and compassion. His papacy was marked by a commitment to social justice, interfaith dialogue, and care for the environment. Known for his progressive stance on doctrine and inclusive approach to Church teachings, Pope Francis frequently advocated for the poor and marginalised and remained a vocal proponent of peace in international conflicts.

Pope Francis and Hungary

As Magyar Nemzet writes, Pope Francis developed a unique and heartfelt relationship with Hungary throughout his papacy. He visited the country on several occasions, most notably in 2021 and 2023, celebrating Masses in Budapest and engaging warmly with Hungarian communities. He first encountered Hungarian culture as a young man in Argentina. During his visits, he expressed a desire to spend more time with the Hungarian people. Allegedly, the Pope understood only two Hungarian words: Tokaj and gulyás. When asked about the language he spoke during his visit to Budapest, he said:

I usually spoke German or English. Hungarian is not spoken outside Hungary. Only in heaven, because they say it takes forever to learn.

Pope Francis met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on numerous occasions, both in the Vatican and in Budapest. Their discussions consistently revolved around shared concerns such as the promotion of peace, support for families, and environmental protection. This steady diplomatic relationship contributed to strengthened ties between Hungary and the Holy See. In 2024, Pope Francis also honoured Hungarian-born scientist Katalin Karikó by appointing her to the Pontifical Academy for Life, recognising her groundbreaking contribution to mRNA vaccine development.

Read also:

• FM Szijjártó: Hungary and the Vatican will continue to stand up for peace
• Pope Francis hosts PM Viktor Orbán at the Vatican

Featured image: depositphotos.com