Speaking to reporters afterward, Magyar said the discussions covered recent changes in Hungary, the war in Ukraine, the energy crisis and challenges facing Europe. They also addressed artificial intelligence and its associated risks, climate change and the peace process.

The Hungarian Catholic Church, its welfare and education services, and Hungary’s Christian traditions were also on the agenda.

Magyar said the pope was well-informed about Hungary, Central Europe and issues affecting ethnic Hungarians. According to the prime minister, Leo recalled visiting Hungary in 2023 as part of Pope Francis’ delegation and said he knew Budapest well.

Magyar said he would welcome Hungary’s inclusion in a future papal visit to Central Europe. The conversation took place in English and lasted approximately half an hour.

The prime minister presented the pope with a handwritten calligraphic transcript of Pope Pius XII’s Nov. 10, 1956, Vatican Radio address to the Hungarian people following the suppression of the revolution. He also gave him a copy of the first New York edition of Cardinal József Mindszenty’s memoirs and received a gift from the pontiff.

The Hungarian delegation began the day with Mass in the Hungarian Chapel at St. Peter’s Basilica before visiting the basilica and St. Peter’s tomb. Magyar also paid his respects at the tomb of Pope John Paul II, saying the former pontiff’s words, “Do not be afraid!”, had given him strength.

On behalf of the Hungarian state, Magyar donated medicines worth EUR 6,000 to a Vatican clinic established around a decade ago to serve people in poverty.

Asked about the Hungary Helps program, the prime minister said his government would review and continue the initiative. An open recruitment process for its next leader had attracted dozens of applicants, with selection underway.

Magyar said the Vatican had been informed that Hungary continued to consider support for persecuted Christians important.

“Obviously, this must be done free from corruption, so we are reviewing the programs, and where there may have been abuses, proceedings will be initiated,” he said.

On migration, Magyar emphasized the importance of “taking aid to where it is needed, rather than bringing the problem to Europe.”

“This fits perfectly with the Tisza program, so we will continue with it, but we will scrutinize the spending a little more closely,” he added.

Asked whether the government’s position conflicted with the pope’s call to support refugees already in Europe, Magyar said the responsibilities of a religious leader differed from those of a head of government.

“There is no contradiction in the fact that if someone is here, they will receive, for example, medical assistance,” he said, while reiterating his preference for providing help locally.

In a Facebook post after the meeting, Magyar said he had concluded the conversation by asking for the pope’s blessing for Hungary.