SW News: The Holy Father began his Apostolic Journey to Budapest and Slovakia on Sunday, September 12. The first leg of the trip comprised a seven-hour halt in the Hungarian capital where he offered Mass marking the conclusion of the 52nd International Eucharistic Congress.

Thousands of Catholics from around the world assembled at Heroes’ Square on Sunday, September 12, for the papal Mass, transforming the square into a ‘Statio Orbis’ or assembly of the world. Many Hungarian believers came dressed in their ethnic attire while pilgrims from other nations carried their national flags and banners depicting their dioceses and religious congregations.

Hundreds of bishops and priests from different rites were present in front of the altar dressed in their liturgical vestments. The Litany of Saints was chanted in Latin by a choir comprising 1,000 singers before the Mass began. The Mass was offered by Pope Francis and present with him on the sanctuary were Primate of Hungary Cardinal Peter Erdo, Archbishop Piero Marini, president of the Pontifical Committee for International Eucharistic Congresses among others. A special place was reserved at the side of the dais for His Beatitude Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople and his entourage.

As the Holy Father came to the dais he greeted Patriarch Bartholomew. He was welcomed by Cardinal Erdo who presented him with a miniature replica of the Mission Cross that symbolizes the Congress.

At the introduction of Holy Mass, a special mention was made of the beatification of Primate of Poland Cardinal Stefan Wyzsynski and Mother Elzbieta Czacka. Tributes were also paid to Hungarian national hero and Servant of God Cardinal Joszef Mindsz who suffered persecution under the communist regime. The Mass in Latin had readings in both Hungarian as well as English. In his homily, Pope Francis reflected on the day’s Gospel passage in which Jesus asks his disciples ‘Who do you say that I am?”, and said the response of believers should be “renew us as disciples” by proclaiming Him, discerning with Christ and following the Lord.

The offertory of Mass witnessed Hungarian couples dressed in their ethnic attire bringing the Eucharistic gifts of bread and wine.

At the conclusion of the Mass, Cardinal Erdo thanked the Holy Father for his visit. It was followed by the Angelus during which the Holy Father expressed gratitude to the “great Hungarian Christian family”. He said he would like to embrace its rites, its history as well as both Catholics and those of other confessions in the journey towards full unity. He also said 'thank you' in the Magyar language and wished that the Cross remains the bridge between the past and the future for the Hungarian Church. His Holiness also paid tribute to both Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński and Mother Mother Elzbieta.

He was seen off at the airport at 2.30 pm by Cardinal Erdo and other prominent prelates as well as Hungarian officials.