The Pope has praised the Hungarian government’s scheme to help persecuted Christians around the world.
During a general audience in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday, Pope Francis met with 20 scholars who study in Hungary under the government program.
Pope Francis “praised our program,” said Tristan Azbej, Ministry of Human Resources state secretary in charge of aiding Christians, who described the work of the Hungarian government in assisting the persecuted Christian communities.
He said the pope was “deeply touched” by what the Hungarian government was doing, adding that the young people were studying in Hungary to equip themselves with European knowledge before returning to the Middle East and Africa to help rebuild their communities.
The Hungarian government’s scholarship scheme, an integral part of the Hungary Helps humanitarian program, is in its second year, making it possible for almost 200 young people to study in Hungary.
According to MTI, the young Christians are from Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Nigeria and Egypt. The pope held the Hungarian flag and posed for a photograph with them in front of St. Peter’s Basilica.
As part of a two-day Hungarian series of programs in Rome, a Hungarian documentary about Eastern Orthodox communities in the Middle East will be screened on Wednesday evening.