Orban has frequently depicted his government as a defender of Christian civilization in Europe and a bulwark against migration from Muslim-majority countries. Francis has expressed solidarity with migrants and refugees and criticized what he called “national populism” advanced by governments like Hungary’s. After meeting with Orban, Francis presided over a joint encounter with his own bishops, and then Christian and Jewish leaders. Hungary’s large Jewish population was devastated during the closing months of World War II, with more than 550,000 Jewish deaths. Despite that, registered churches have been major beneficiaries of state support under Orban since he returned to power in 2010.

Source: Egypt Independent September 12, 2021 07:52 UTC