VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV and Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar discussed the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, the impact of artificial intelligence, and other challenges facing Europe during a private audience at the Vatican on Thursday.
Magyar also formally invited the pope to visit Hungary and presented him with a book of memoirs by Cardinal József Mindszenty, the former archbishop of Esztergom and primate of Hungary who resisted both fascism and communism.
Following the audience, Magyar, who won Hungary's April 12 parliamentary elections, ending Viktor Orbán's 16 consecutive years in power, described the meeting on social media as "an honor" and "inspiring."
Magyar said the two spoke about the situation in Hungary, challenges facing Europe, the growing impact of artificial intelligence on society, and loneliness among young people.
He also explained his approach to politics, which he said is based on "honesty, genuine human connection, and hard work."
"At the end of our meeting, I asked for a papal blessing for our country and invited the Holy Father to visit Hungary," Magyar said.
The Vatican said the discussions covered Hungary's socioeconomic situation as well as education and "the protection of the most vulnerable Christian communities in various regions of the world."
The two sides also exchanged views on Ukraine and the Middle East and expressed hope for greater international efforts to promote peace and negotiated solutions to ongoing conflicts.
Magyar gave the pope a book of memoirs by Mindszenty, one of the most prominent figures in 20th-century Hungarian Catholicism. The cardinal, who lived from 1892 to 1975, faced imprisonment and persecution for his opposition to both fascism and Hungary's communist regime.
Portuguese president meets Pope Leo
Pope Leo also received Portuguese President António José Seguro on Thursday in their first official meeting since Seguro became head of state.
Seguro subsequently met with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican's secretary for relations with states. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, was in New York for the United Nations General Assembly.
The Holy See said the talks covered Portugal's socioeconomic situation, the promotion of the common good, and international affairs.
"Some regional and international issues were addressed, with particular reference to the repercussions of conflicts around the world, migration, the importance of multilateralism and respect for international law, as well as the urgent need for a constant commitment to peace," the Vatican said.
The private audience lasted about 40 minutes. Seguro presented the pope with a porcelain sculpture of the crucified Christ made by Portuguese manufacturer Vista Alegre and designed by architect Álvaro Siza Vieira.
Seguro had said Wednesday that he planned to convey "the friendship of the Portuguese people" and renew an invitation for Pope Leo to visit Portugal in 2027, when the country will mark the 500th anniversary of the apostolic nunciature.
Pope Francis visited Portugal twice during his pontificate: in 2017 for the centenary of the Marian apparitions at Fátima and in 2023 for World Youth Day in Lisbon.
This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
