Pope Francis presided over a large mass today in an open square in Budapest, urging Hungarians not to shut out migrants and those they label as "foreigners or not like us." This call contrasts with the anti-migration policies of nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. In his speech, Pope Francis stated, "If Hungarians wish to follow Jesus, they must distance themselves from 'the closed doors of our exclusivity in a society suffering from increasing isolation, the closed doors represented by our indifference to the marginalized and those in suffering, the doors we shut on foreigners or those who are not like us, on migrants or the poor.'"
He emphasized the need to "welcome migrants fleeing poverty and integrate them, as they can enrich host countries culturally and help increase the dwindling population of Europe." This conversation continued from his first day of visit on Friday, when he warned of the rising tide of nationalism in Europe, placing it within the context of the Gospel, stating that "closed doors are painful and contradict the teachings of Christ."
Prime Minister Orbán, who considers himself a protector of Christian values, attended the mass and affirmed that he "will not allow Hungary to become a 'migrant state' alien to its native people like other countries in Europe." Tens of thousands gathered in the square behind the parliament building and around it to see the Pope on the final day of his visit to the country.
