With the motto 'Christ is our future,' Pope Francis returns to Hungary to bring his closeness to the faithful. - I’m going to Budapest, Hungary, next Friday. I am traveling to the center of Europe, over which the icy winds of war continue to blow, while so many people are forced to flee their homes, which puts urgent humanitarian issues on the agenda - the pope said on Sunday.

Pope Francis waves from his office window overlooking Saint Peter's Square during the Regina Caeli prayer, Vatican City, 23 April 2023. Photo by EPA/GIUSEPPE LAMI/PAP/EPA

“My dear Hungarian brothers, I know that you are making great efforts to prepare for my arrival, for which I thank you from the bottom of my heart. And I ask all of you to keep me in your prayers,” he added.

"We, Hungarians await you with great love and prayers. I hope that we can pray together in Hungary for peace, family, and the renewal of faith, hope and love" - Hungarian president Katalin Novak responded.

(JAP)