The ÖAK document prompted an intervention by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) in September 2020.
In a four-page critique and a letter to Bätzing, the doctrinal congregation emphasized that significant differences in understanding of the Eucharist and ministry remain between Protestants and Catholics.
The CDF cautioned against any steps towards intercommunion between Catholics and members of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), an organization representing 20 Protestant groups.
Following the Vatican’s intervention, Bätzing repeatedly ruled out general intercommunion, while saying that he respects the “personal decision of conscience” of individual Protestants to receive Communion in Catholic churches.
The International Eucharistic Congress in Budapest was originally scheduled to take place in 2020 but was postponed to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
It will open this September with a 1,000-strong choir and a “vast” number of First Communions.
The event’s program lists cardinals from five continents as leaders of the congress’ morning prayers, catechesis, testimonies, and workshops.
Scheduled speakers include Burmese Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, retired Vatican Cardinal Robert Sarah, Iraqi Cardinal Louis Raphaël Sako, Indian Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Nigerian Cardinal John Onaiyekan, and Canadian Cardinal Gérald Lacroix.
The events will build towards the weekend of Sept. 11-12, the final two days of the congress.
On the Saturday, Erdő will celebrate Mass in Kossuth Square, home to the spectacular Hungarian Parliament Building, followed by a candlelight procession to Heroes’ Square.
The 68-year-old cardinal told CNA in February that the congress would be a sign of hope amid the pandemic.
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“I am convinced that the International Eucharistic Congress, which was postponed by the decision of the Holy Father until Sept. 5-12, 2021, after the passing of the most difficult time of the COVID-19 pandemic will be a great sign of hope for the Catholics all around the world,” he said.
Pope Francis is scheduled to celebrate the closing Mass in Heroes’ Square on Sept. 12.
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