Tristan Azbej, state secretary for the Aid of Persecuted Christians (Hungary Helps), met with Pope Leo XIV, who gave his blessing to the Hungarian Helps program. Azbej called the papal audience “a great honor and a profound recognition,” posted Secretary of State for International Communication Zoltán Kovács.
The pope was given a briefing on the program’s work, including a message from persecuted Christians in Pakistan.
“The delegation was joined by Lebanese-Christian partners, with whom Hungary has helped save 63 churches, highlighting Hungary’s commitment to supporting persecuted Christians worldwide,” Kovács also posted.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a frequent visitor to the Vatican, was recently received by the new pope to discuss peace. “I asked His Holiness to support Hungary’s anti-war efforts,” Orbán stated at the time.
Ambassador of Hungary to the Holy See, Eduard Habsburg, also posted on X:
“Archbishop Michael Jalakh OAM from Dicastery for Oriental Churches praises Hungary’s engagement rebuilding churches in Lebanon, at opening of HOPE FROM RUINS exhibition.”
Azbej has recently also pledged solidarity with U.S. President Trump’s support for Christians in Nigeria.
“Another global cause where President Trump and the Hungarian Government stand united: helping persecuted Christians in Nigeria.”
Another global cause where President Trump and the Hungarian Government stand united:
helping persecuted Christians in Nigeria.
🇭🇺✝️🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/FcjXPcfVPy
— Tristan Azbej ن (@tristan_azbej) November 4, 2025Hungary is enjoying a rebirth of closer relations with D.C. under Trump, and PM Viktor Orbán is set to meet with POTUS at the White House tomorrow to discuss major economic and trade investments and agreements.
