Pope Francis in Hungary

Pope Francis met with 32 Jesuits April 29 during his three-day trip to Budapest, Hungary. Questioned by the confreres of a Hungarian Jesuit kidnapped with another priest and imprisoned during Argentina's murderous military dictatorship, Francis said, "I did what I felt I had to do to defend them. It was a very painful affair."

During a press conference aboard the papal plane, Pope Francis said he is working behind the scenes in Hungary to bring peace to Ukraine.

Pope Francis wrapped up a three-day visit to Budapest by issuing a final plea for peace in Ukraine and appealing to the often-isolated Hungarian nation not to close its doors to those in need. 

Pope Francis began his second day in Hungary by thanking the country's Catholics for welcoming new arrivals from Ukraine, while reminding them that the Christian commitment of charity must also extend to non-believers.

Pope Francis on April 28 launched his closely watched three-day trip to Hungary by telling the country's staunchly anti-immigrant political leaders that if the country wants to remain true to its Christian roots, it must be willing to accept migrants and refugees.

When Pope Francis arrives in Budapest tomorrow, church and political leaders around the world will be watching his meeting with Hungary's controversial prime minister.

Pope Francis will visit Hungary at the end of April, the Vatican said Feb. 27, in a trip expected to focus on migration to Europe and Russia’s war in Ukraine.