SW News: Hungary's ambassador to the Holy See says that the country stands for faith and family. In an exclusive interview with Shalom World ahead of Pope Francis' arrival to the country, Eduard Habsburg said that the Holy Father's visit will greatly impact the faithful in their faith and values.

While addressing the methods to renew faith globally, Habsburg says that people must turn to God. He points out that the family is where one receives God and strengthens a person to face the cold winds of secularism. A family constituted by a man and a woman with many children will form a society of values. He added, "Say yes to more children; you will get it back 100 times." He also said, "Hungary stands for faith and family."

During his interview, the ambassador to the Holy See emphasized how the country gives importance to families. He cited instances where the government assists the family with more children. For example, a mother must only repay two-thirds of her loan after having the first child. Similarly, a mother of four is exempted from paying personal income taxes. In addition, many financial incentives are given to the grandparents taking care of their grandchild, thereby supporting a working mother. By being a family-friendly country, Habsburg said the government wants to develop a society that welcomes children and working mothers. He went on, that society will be good and sane only with many children with family values.

During the interview, Habsburg recalled the Christian background of the country. After the installation of St. Stephen, he consecrated the country to the Virgin Mary, and since then, Hungary has been a Christian country, said the ambassador. However, he added that the wind of secularism is blowing over Hungary, similar to other European nations. And he shared his hope that the papal visit would be a 'new jolt' to the Hungarian faithful.

Habsburg also touched upon the initiatives launched by President Viktor Orban's government to help persecuted Christians worldwide. He said eight out of 10 people who face persecution are Christians and need help from fellow Christians. The ambassador also recalled the formation of the 'Hungary Helps' initiative, which happened soon after Orban's encounter with Middle Eastern Bishops who explained the situation in their countries. While helping the persecuted, Habsburg added that Hungary encourages other European nations to do so. He said many European faithful free to exercise their religion are unaware of what is happening in some parts of the world where people are treated as secondary citizens because of their faith. He added that Pope Francis is aware of the initiatives by the country and has urged them to go forward with the same.

During his interview with Shalom World, he also called the young people to 'switch off their phones' and turn to themselves and God to live their faith in a very secular environment. Urging them to 'switch on' to themselves, the Vatican ambassador expressed hope that the Pope's visit would help revitalize the faith of young people in Hungary.