Vatican City, Aug 20, 2013 / 10:09 am
Pope Francis sent a message to the president and citizens of Hungary today, praying for the nation as it celebrates the feast of its founder and first king, St. Stephen of Hungary.
"I ask God that the Hungarian people might find within themselves, and their human and spiritual heritage, the moral resources necessary in order to build a future of peace and fraternity," he told president János Áder in an Aug. 20 message, Vatican Radio reported.
The Holy Father invoked "an abundance of Divine blessings" on the nation's leaders and all its citizens as they gathered to celebrate their national feast day.
Saint Stephen is celebrated each year in Hungary on Aug. 20 and celebrations include Mass in the Basilica of Saint Stephen in Budapest and the procession of the saint's incorrupt right hand, known as the "Holy Right."