Tristan Azbej Pays Tribute to Pope Francis, Honoring His Legacy of Peace and Support for Persecuted Christians - Faith & Freedom News

Budapest, April 26, 2025 – Tristan Azbej, State Secretary for the Aid of Persecuted Christians and head of the Hungary Helps Program, paid heartfelt tribute to Pope Francis following the Pope’s recent passing. In a message shared on his official social media accounts, Azbej announced he had signed the Book of Condolences at the Apostolic Nunciature in Budapest on behalf of Hungary’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Azbej expressed deep respect and gratitude for Pope Francis’s enduring legacy and compassionate leadership.

“Pope Francis always conveyed the message of peace and addressed Hungarian communities with special love – both on and off the border,” he wrote. “We cherish his legacy in our memory.”

A Voice for Peace and the Persecuted

In his message, Azbej highlighted Pope Francis’s unwavering commitment to global peace and his exceptional support for persecuted Christian communities around the world. Under Pope Francis’s papacy, initiatives supporting Christian minorities facing oppression gained international attention, with Hungary becoming a notable partner in these efforts.

“We especially appreciate your attention to the work we did for persecuted Christians,” Azbej stated. “We could also experience your support and encouragement.”

Pope Francis was a moral beacon for millions, and his messages often emphasized unity, compassion, and human dignity. His 2023 visit to Hungary further strengthened ties between the Vatican and Hungary, leaving a lasting impact on local communities and faith-based humanitarian efforts.

A Lasting Inspiration

Azbej closed his tribute by emphasizing that the Pope’s memory would serve as inspiration to continue supporting those in need and standing up for religious freedom.

“His memory and legacy inspire us to continue this work. May he rest in peace.”

About Hungary Helps

The Hungary Helps Program, led by Azbej, is a government initiative aimed at aiding persecuted religious minorities, particularly Christians, around the world. Since its launch, the program has funded educational, housing, and medical projects in crisis zones such as the Middle East and Africa.