Its proximity to the Ultranationalist Government of Viktor Orbán has been criticized. This always had a cordial relationship with the government, which has generously supported the historical churches in Hungary.
Péter Erdo was born on June 25, 1952 in Budapest, Hungary, is a prominent figure in the Catholic Church and one of the main candidates to happen to Pope Francis. His career is marked by a combination of theological scholarship and pastoral leadership, qualities that have positioned him as an influential leader in both Hungary and Vatican. With 72 years, the Hungarian has been a constant defender of the traditional values of the Church and has worked tirelessly to promote interreligious dialogue.
Erdo was ordered priest in 1975 and quickly stood out for his dedication and leadership. In a few years, he achieved two doctorates: one in theology and one in Canon Law, obtained at the Pontifical Latarenense University. In 2000, he was appointed bishop by Pope John Paul II, and in 2002, Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest.
His appointment as a cardinal was in 2003, at the age of 51, he made him one of the youngest cardinals in Europe. Erdo was a constant figure in the synods and conclaves, actively participating in the life of the Church globally.
Erdo and Francisco.webp
From 2006 to 2016, he directed the European Episcopal Conference Council (CCEE)position that allowed him to gain notoriety far beyond the borders of his country of origin. During that period, he combined a doctrinal firmness with an outstanding capacity for dialogue, while making clear his positions, which remain faithful to the traditional teachings of the Catholic Church.
Despite its prominence and achievements, Erdo’s closeness with Viktor Orbán’s ultra -nationalist government has been criticized. Ha maintained a cordial relationship with the government, which has generously supported the historical churches in Hungary.
In return, religious tacitly support their policy against LGTB+ people and migrants, despite Pope Francis’s calls to greater openness. During the 2015 immigration crisis, Erdo warned that, according to national legislation, any help to a migrant could be considered as “people traffic.”
Peter Erdo’s relationship with Pope Francis
Erdo’s relationship with Pope Francis has been marked by obvious discrepancies, although always treated in moderation. Although it has maintained a more traditional theological orientation, it has never fueled public controversies. Despite its differences, it has shown great interest in the unity of Christians and the dialogue between the East and West, aligning in many aspects with the vision of Bergoglio.
In social issues the Budapest archbishop It maintains strict positions, both with respect to the divorced who have married and homosexual couples. “Between good and evil, the true and the false, there is no gradualness,” says Erdo.
It is also criticized for its management after the revelations of pederasty cases allegedly committed within the Hungarian Church. Rita Peruntfalvi, who interviewed some sixty victims, denounces her “lack of empathy” and a disastrous management of the subject.
Source: Ambito
