Pope Francis made a second visit to Budapest on Friday, where he has emphasized welcoming migrants, embracing minorities, and warning against nationalism. However, his visit also gives Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is known for his opposition to migrants, close ties with Russia, and criticism of gay rights, a political gift. Despite his 10-year pontificate, during which he has met with strongmen and dictators to protect his flock and push for human rights and peace, Francis rarely confronts his hosts and instead looks for areas of agreement, even if it risks legitimizing policies he finds abhorrent. In Hungary, a dressing down is even less likely, as some analysts see the pope and Mr. Orban as having a similar desire for the war in Ukraine to end, and with Francis defining the trip in terms of Christian unity. He has called it an opportunity to “re-embrace” the…
2023-04-28 03:24:20
Original from www.nytimes.com
