Pope Leo XIV is the first American pope, formed by Chicago roots, missionary years in Peru, and the Augustinian spirit of unity. He carries himself with quiet strength, preferring to build harmony rather than chase headlines. His motto, In Illo uno unum — “In the one Christ we are one” — captures his identity: a pastor who insists that real unity comes only from Christ.
His choice of the name Leo is itself a program. By invoking Pope Leo XIII, who faced the Industrial Revolution with the landmark encyclical Rerum Novarum, Leo XIV signals his desire to confront the great revolution of our age: artificial intelligence and transhumanism. Just as his predecessor defended the dignity of workers in the factory, Leo XIV wants to defend the dignity of the human person in the digital sphere and at a time of unlimited technological progress. He is preparing an encyclical that could become a compass for navigating this new epoch.
There is continuity with Pope Francis: concern for the poor, openness to synodality (a real one — one that also allows local bishops to let trad communities develop), a global missionary outlook. But there are also marked differences. Francis sought disruption; Leo prefers steadiness. Francis often made bold gestures and ambiguous statements; Leo speaks with greater Christocentrism and composure, as per his Augustinian spirituality. His style is more about reconciling differences without diluting the truth.
Symbols matter deeply to him. By wearing the red mozzetta, restoring papal traditions (moving back to the Apostolic Palace), and highlighting beauty in the liturgy, Leo shows that the papal office is larger than personal taste. Beauty itself has become a pastoral strategy under his watch, and this is significant at a time when conversions in the West are increasingly sparked by the rediscovery of beauty. For Leo XIV, beauty is not decoration — it is a doorway to faith, to the Truth.
In diplomacy, he embodies the role of a bridge-builder. Unlike Francis, who favored grand statements and public gestures, Leo works through personal encounters and quiet listening. He spoke privately with Putin, who described their exchange as constructive, and he met with leaders across the political spectrum, from President Herzog to Matteo Salvini — the latter a figure Francis deliberately avoided. Leo shows openness to meeting anyone, signaling that his priority is dialogue, not political alignment.
The stakes of his pontificate are immense: to heal internal divisions in the Church, to provide a moral compass in the age of artificial intelligence, to rebuild credibility after years of confusion, and to strengthen the Church’s voice as a peacemaker in a fractured world. Above all, Leo XIV insists that the Church must not become an NGO, but remain anchored in Christ, who alone gives unity, dignity, and hope. (Solène Tadie)
Biography of POPE LEO XIV.
Robert Francis Prevost, Born: 1955 Chicago, elected: May 8th, 2025 – Augustinian order, American cardinal – Father: French and Italian origin, mother: Spanish origin – 1977: diploma in mathematics, studied philosophy. Entered the Augustinian order, noviciate. Chicago: diploma in theology, Rome: Angelicum, studied canon law – 1982: ordained to priest in the Augustinian college and in 1984: got his licentiate, between 1985-86: serves in Peru – 1987: PhD dissertation – USA, director of missions, responsible for vocations – 1988: run the formation of postulants in Peru, in the Augustinian order – 1988-92: prior in the order – 1988-98: director and teacher in the order (teaches canon law, patristics, moral theology) and he is the priest of the poor – 1999: prior, director and general in Chicago, in 2007 newly elected – 2014: Pope Francis promotes him to governor and titular bishop – 2015: Pope Francis appoints him to bishop of Chicago – 2018: He is deputy chair of the Bishop Conference, member of the Council of economy, chair of Cultural and Educational committees – 2020: apostolic governor
2023: Pope Francis promotes him to prefect of the bishop dicastery, chair of the papal committee of Latin America, first archbishop, then cardinal; he is member of many dicasteries and committees, member of the Order of Cardinals, situated as high ranked cardinal, promoted by Pope Francis – 2025 April: he ran the rosary on Saint Peter Square for the health of Pope Francis, while he was dying
He was always fascinated by the personality traits of Pope Francis (His trustworthiness, living the gospel, love of the poor and in need, visiting the jails, love of the Church, his service, responsibility and humanity, benevolence, untiring work.) They met many times, each Saturday mornings during the last two years. Pope Francis left the love of the poor to Pope Leo.
His first speech: “peace to all of you!” he spoke of armless, humble peace, he continued the blessing of Pope Francis, namely, that God is love, the evil won’t triumph on us. He spoke of building bridges, dialogue, encounters. Following Augustin’s thoughts, the church must be missionary, inclusive, synodal, striving for peace and love. On the World Youth Meeting this summer he spoke of building a more humane world, of striving for sanctity.
He says that he was elected unworthy, but he does everything for the peace. He ordained Carlo Acutis and Pier Georgio Frassati to be saints stressing the help to the poor and mentioning solidarity. There is a Laudato si farm in the Vatican, with environmental friendly production of olives, grapes, honey, and a possibility of work for former drug dependents and women in danger. Leo opened this operation and moved there. His views: importance of the poor, migrants and the protection of creation. Emphasises the peace, justice, service of the mankind, to strengthen people in faith, to build bridges with the people of good will, to strengthen the dialogue between different religions, respect freedom of religions and building encounters, (like John Paul II.) He accentuates the trust in the providence.
He says, peace begins in the hearts, in the souls, in the self of the person. (Same as John XXIII., in his encyclical Pacem in Terris, 1961, where he describes the origin of peace, which begins in the hearts of the individual person) He emphasises to stop arm production, requires a true disarmament. He maintains families, human dignity, encounter with Jesus and love with the created world, as well. To help those who do not have voice. His message: Peace and hope. He wants to continue the project of Laudato si. And he wants to continue the road that began with the Second Vatican Council and continued by Evangelii Gaudium in 2013, resulting in the synodal church today. His catchword: “In illo Uno Unum” we are one in Him. He wants to render more attention to the social order of the world, to continue the road of pope Leo XIII: Peace, justice, humbleness. According to the cardinals “he is the lion who expels, drives away the wolves.”
Difference and similarity to Pope Francis
Leo supports the communion of the divorced and remarried like, but he is less open to the matters of LMBTQ and just carefully supported the blessing of the members of homosexual couples (document “Fiduica Supplicans”). He speaks of the homosexual way of life and their alternative families and adopted children just with reservation. He criticises Trump’s migration policy and opposes the clericalization of women, the rendering them to deacons. He does not support but at the same time does not refuse the document of Fiduica Supplicans. He supports the synodal church, is advocate of the consultancies between church members and of including lay people into the conversations. His brother John Prevost says, he is the second Pope Francis – not extreme left or right, he stands in the middle.
Leo and Hungary
He was in Hungary in April 2023 when Pope Francis payed an apostolic visit to Hungary as archbishop, he was member of the Vatican delegation. The president of Republic of Hungary, Tamás Sulyok invited him to Hungary during their meeting in Vatican, at the occasion of the initiation of Leo.
Leo and the other Leos in the Church
Saint Leo the Great, the 1st Leo: Church Teacher, Church Father, fighting pope, grounded integrity of the Vatican and the church in the 5th century. Leader of the christologian council of Calcedon.
Leo 2nd: he announced in the year of 680 the doctrines of the Constantinople Council saying that in Christ there is present the human and God-like nature at the same time.
Leo 10th: present at the Lateran council in 1512-17 and excommunicated Martin Luther from the Catholic church in 1521, he is a meaningful pope during the period of reformation.
Leo 12th: take part in the Paris Peace Conference 1814, implemented the reform of the Pontifical State.
Leo 13th: pope for 25 years 1870-90-ies, a political personality, who had successes in the diplomacy, he strengthens the inner life of the church and wrote the encyclical RERUM NOVARUM in 1891.
All Pope Leos had excellent properties, making good decisions, performing lasting, enduring goods.
The name of Pope Leo XIV. refers to Leo XIII., to his social teaching, to the importance of social justice. Leo wants to continue the road of Leo XIII as the era of AI is the same as the industrial revolution in the 19th century. Rerum Novarum has historical importance – it negotiates the social question in the context of the industrial revolution. It protects human dignity, dignity of human work and justice. Rerum Novarum is the 1st encyclical of this kind:
- atrocious injustice, the wealth is concentrated in the hands of few, and the majority of people is poor; the question of private property (it is regarded to be good and necessary, following the theorems of Thomas Aquinas and the previous teachings of the Catholic Church)
- situation of the workers, wages (the own wealth of the worker is good, it connects to his homeland better than the wage labourer. capitalist and workers are not antagonistic enemies, labour without capital and capital without labour is not possible, the class warfare is not necessary, the two classes (capitalists and workers) must make peace in love.
- thoughts about the common good, last paragraph: about Love, as queen of virtues. This is the most meaningful and detailed chapter in the encyclical.
Summary: Leo XIV. is a very promising pope, capable to answer the challenges of our times. (Sister Laura Baritz)
Pope Leo XIV. – a special introduction and summary of his first 100 days written by Sister Laura Baritz and Solène Tadie – a summary of the discussion during the 7th Conservative Ladies’ Breakfast
Pope Leo XIV is the first American pope, formed by Chicago roots, missionary years in Peru, and the Augustinian spirit of unity. He carries himself with quiet strength, preferring to build harmony rather than chase headlines. His motto, In Illo uno unum — “In the one Christ we are one” — captures his identity: a pastor who insists that real unity comes only from Christ.
His choice of the name Leo is itself a program. By invoking Pope Leo XIII, who faced the Industrial Revolution with the landmark encyclical Rerum Novarum, Leo XIV signals his desire to confront the great revolution of our age: artificial intelligence and transhumanism. Just as his predecessor defended the dignity of workers in the factory, Leo XIV wants to defend the dignity of the human person in the digital sphere and at a time of unlimited technological progress. He is preparing an encyclical that could become a compass for navigating this new epoch.
There is continuity with Pope Francis: concern for the poor, openness to synodality (a real one — one that also allows local bishops to let trad communities develop), a global missionary outlook. But there are also marked differences. Francis sought disruption; Leo prefers steadiness. Francis often made bold gestures and ambiguous statements; Leo speaks with greater Christocentrism and composure, as per his Augustinian spirituality. His style is more about reconciling differences without diluting the truth.
Symbols matter deeply to him. By wearing the red mozzetta, restoring papal traditions (moving back to the Apostolic Palace), and highlighting beauty in the liturgy, Leo shows that the papal office is larger than personal taste. Beauty itself has become a pastoral strategy under his watch, and this is significant at a time when conversions in the West are increasingly sparked by the rediscovery of beauty. For Leo XIV, beauty is not decoration — it is a doorway to faith, to the Truth.
In diplomacy, he embodies the role of a bridge-builder. Unlike Francis, who favored grand statements and public gestures, Leo works through personal encounters and quiet listening. He spoke privately with Putin, who described their exchange as constructive, and he met with leaders across the political spectrum, from President Herzog to Matteo Salvini — the latter a figure Francis deliberately avoided. Leo shows openness to meeting anyone, signaling that his priority is dialogue, not political alignment.
The stakes of his pontificate are immense: to heal internal divisions in the Church, to provide a moral compass in the age of artificial intelligence, to rebuild credibility after years of confusion, and to strengthen the Church’s voice as a peacemaker in a fractured world. Above all, Leo XIV insists that the Church must not become an NGO, but remain anchored in Christ, who alone gives unity, dignity, and hope. (Solène Tadie)
Biography of POPE LEO XIV.
Robert Francis Prevost, Born: 1955 Chicago, elected: May 8th, 2025 – Augustinian order, American cardinal – Father: French and Italian origin, mother: Spanish origin – 1977: diploma in mathematics, studied philosophy. Entered the Augustinian order, noviciate. Chicago: diploma in theology, Rome: Angelicum, studied canon law – 1982: ordained to priest in the Augustinian college and in 1984: got his licentiate, between 1985-86: serves in Peru – 1987: PhD dissertation – USA, director of missions, responsible for vocations – 1988: run the formation of postulants in Peru, in the Augustinian order – 1988-92: prior in the order – 1988-98: director and teacher in the order (teaches canon law, patristics, moral theology) and he is the priest of the poor – 1999: prior, director and general in Chicago, in 2007 newly elected – 2014: Pope Francis promotes him to governor and titular bishop – 2015: Pope Francis appoints him to bishop of Chicago – 2018: He is deputy chair of the Bishop Conference, member of the Council of economy, chair of Cultural and Educational committees – 2020: apostolic governor
2023: Pope Francis promotes him to prefect of the bishop dicastery, chair of the papal committee of Latin America, first archbishop, then cardinal; he is member of many dicasteries and committees, member of the Order of Cardinals, situated as high ranked cardinal, promoted by Pope Francis – 2025 April: he ran the rosary on Saint Peter Square for the health of Pope Francis, while he was dying
He was always fascinated by the personality traits of Pope Francis (His trustworthiness, living the gospel, love of the poor and in need, visiting the jails, love of the Church, his service, responsibility and humanity, benevolence, untiring work.) They met many times, each Saturday mornings during the last two years. Pope Francis left the love of the poor to Pope Leo.
His first speech: “peace to all of you!” he spoke of armless, humble peace, he continued the blessing of Pope Francis, namely, that God is love, the evil won’t triumph on us. He spoke of building bridges, dialogue, encounters. Following Augustin’s thoughts, the church must be missionary, inclusive, synodal, striving for peace and love. On the World Youth Meeting this summer he spoke of building a more humane world, of striving for sanctity.
He says that he was elected unworthy, but he does everything for the peace. He ordained Carlo Acutis and Pier Georgio Frassati to be saints stressing the help to the poor and mentioning solidarity. There is a Laudato si farm in the Vatican, with environmental friendly production of olives, grapes, honey, and a possibility of work for former drug dependents and women in danger. Leo opened this operation and moved there. His views: importance of the poor, migrants and the protection of creation. Emphasises the peace, justice, service of the mankind, to strengthen people in faith, to build bridges with the people of good will, to strengthen the dialogue between different religions, respect freedom of religions and building encounters, (like John Paul II.) He accentuates the trust in the providence.
He says, peace begins in the hearts, in the souls, in the self of the person. (Same as John XXIII., in his encyclical Pacem in Terris, 1961, where he describes the origin of peace, which begins in the hearts of the individual person) He emphasises to stop arm production, requires a true disarmament. He maintains families, human dignity, encounter with Jesus and love with the created world, as well. To help those who do not have voice. His message: Peace and hope. He wants to continue the project of Laudato si. And he wants to continue the road that began with the Second Vatican Council and continued by Evangelii Gaudium in 2013, resulting in the synodal church today. His catchword: “In illo Uno Unum” we are one in Him. He wants to render more attention to the social order of the world, to continue the road of pope Leo XIII: Peace, justice, humbleness. According to the cardinals “he is the lion who expels, drives away the wolves.”
Difference and similarity to Pope Francis
Leo supports the communion of the divorced and remarried like, but he is less open to the matters of LMBTQ and just carefully supported the blessing of the members of homosexual couples (document “Fiduica Supplicans”). He speaks of the homosexual way of life and their alternative families and adopted children just with reservation. He criticises Trump’s migration policy and opposes the clericalization of women, the rendering them to deacons. He does not support but at the same time does not refuse the document of Fiduica Supplicans. He supports the synodal church, is advocate of the consultancies between church members and of including lay people into the conversations. His brother John Prevost says, he is the second Pope Francis – not extreme left or right, he stands in the middle.
Leo and Hungary
He was in Hungary in April 2023 when Pope Francis payed an apostolic visit to Hungary as archbishop, he was member of the Vatican delegation. The president of Republic of Hungary, Tamás Sulyok invited him to Hungary during their meeting in Vatican, at the occasion of the initiation of Leo.
Leo and the other Leos in the Church
Saint Leo the Great, the 1st Leo: Church Teacher, Church Father, fighting pope, grounded integrity of the Vatican and the church in the 5th century. Leader of the christologian council of Calcedon.
Leo 2nd: he announced in the year of 680 the doctrines of the Constantinople Council saying that in Christ there is present the human and God-like nature at the same time.
Leo 10th: present at the Lateran council in 1512-17 and excommunicated Martin Luther from the Catholic church in 1521, he is a meaningful pope during the period of reformation.
Leo 12th: take part in the Paris Peace Conference 1814, implemented the reform of the Pontifical State.
Leo 13th: pope for 25 years 1870-90-ies, a political personality, who had successes in the diplomacy, he strengthens the inner life of the church and wrote the encyclical RERUM NOVARUM in 1891.
All Pope Leos had excellent properties, making good decisions, performing lasting, enduring goods.
The name of Pope Leo XIV. refers to Leo XIII., to his social teaching, to the importance of social justice. Leo wants to continue the road of Leo XIII as the era of AI is the same as the industrial revolution in the 19th century. Rerum Novarum has historical importance – it negotiates the social question in the context of the industrial revolution. It protects human dignity, dignity of human work and justice. Rerum Novarum is the 1st encyclical of this kind:
Summary: Leo XIV. is a very promising pope, capable to answer the challenges of our times. (Sister Laura Baritz)
Conservative Ladies’ Breakfast – “Hungary and the New Pope”
The seventh of our joint Conservative Ladies’ Breakfast, organised in cooperation with the Foundation for a Civic Hungary, once again brought together a diverse and inspiring group of women who actively shape our society through their roles in politics, culture, business, and public life. The gathering provided a welcoming and intellectually engaging environment, where participants could share their experiences, exchange ideas, and strengthen both professional and personal ties.
We were honoured to host two exceptional speakers for this occasion: Sister Sarolta Laura Baritz, O.P., Ph.D., Dominican sister, economist, author, and co-founder of the Christian Social Principles in Economy (KETEG) programme, and Solène Tadié, French-Swiss journalist and European correspondent for EWTN News. In a rich and thought-provoking conversation, they explored the theme “Hungary and the New Pope”, reflecting on the enduring legacy of Catholic social teaching from Pope Leo XIII to Pope Leo XIV, and offering their perspectives on its relevance for Hungary and the wider world today.
The discussion inspired participants to consider the timeless principles of faith and moral responsibility in the context of contemporary challenges. As always, the Conservative Ladies’ Breakfast served not only as a forum for intellectual exchange but also as a place of genuine community — where inspiring conversations over coffee and breakfast lead to meaningful connections and future collaboration. The morning left participants with renewed motivation, valuable insights, and the joy of shared purpose.
ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV TO PARTICIPANTS IN THE SIXTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC LEGISLATORS NETWORK
Clementine Hall
Saturday, 23 August 2025
We begin with the same sign with which the Lord has given us life in Baptism: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Peace be with you.
Good morning to all of you. Welcome to Rome and to the Vatican, and thank you for your patience.
Your Eminences, Your Excellency,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I am pleased to greet you, members of the International Catholic Legislators Network. And I thank you for your visit, here to the Vatican and to Rome, during this Jubilee year, the Jubilee of Hope.
You have gathered for your sixteenth annual meeting which has a thought-provoking theme this year: “The New World Order: Major Power Politics, Corporate Dominions and the Future of Human Flourishing.” In these words, I sense both a concern and a longing. We are all concerned about the direction our world is taking, and yet, we long for authentic human flourishing. We long for a world where every person can live in peace, freedom and fulfilment according to God’s plan.
To find our footing in the present circumstances – especially you as Catholic legislators and political leaders –I suggest that we might look to the past, to that towering figure of Saint Augustine of Hippo. As a leading voice of the Church in the late Roman era, he witnessed immense upheavals and social disintegration. In response, he penned The City of God, a work that offers a vision of hope, a vision of meaning that can still speak to us today.
This Church Father taught that within human history, two “cities” are intertwined: the City of Man and the City of God. These signify spiritual realities – two orientations of the human heart and, therefore, of human civilization. The City of Man, built on pride and love of oneself, is marked by the pursuit of power, prestige and pleasure; the City of God, built on love of God unto selflessness, is characterized by justice, charity and humility. In these terms, Augustine encouraged Christians to infuse the earthly society with the values of God’s Kingdom, thereby directing history toward its ultimate fulfilment in God, while also allowing for authentic human flourishing in this life. This theological vision can anchor us in the face of today’s changing currents: the emergence of new centers of gravity, the shifting of old alliances and the unprecedented influence of global corporations and technologies, not to mention numerous violent conflicts. The crucial question before us believers, therefore, is this: how can we accomplish this task?
To answer this question, we must clarify the meaning of human flourishing. Today, a flourishing life is often confused with a materially wealthy life or a life of unrestricted individual autonomy and pleasure. The so-called ideal future presented to us is often one of technological convenience and consumer satisfaction. Yet we know that this is not enough. We see this in affluent societies where many people struggle with loneliness, with despair and a sense of meaninglessness.
Authentic human flourishing stems from what the Church calls integral human development, or the full development of a person in all dimensions: physical, social, cultural, moral, and spiritual. This vision for the human person is rooted in natural law, the moral order that God has written on the human heart, whose deeper truths are illuminated by the Gospel of Christ. In this regard, authentic human flourishing is seen when individuals live virtuously, when they live in healthy communities, enjoying not only what they have, what they possess, but also who they areas children of God. It ensures the freedom to seek truth, to worship God and to raise families in peace. It also includes a harmony with creation and a sense of solidarity across social classes and nations. Indeed, the Lord came that we “may have life, and have it abundantly” (Jn 10:10).
The future of human flourishing depends on which “love” we choose to organize our society around – a selfish love, the love of self, or the love of God and neighbor. We, of course, already know the answer. In your vocation as Catholic lawmakers and public servants, you are called to be bridge-builders between the City of God and the City of Man. I would like to urge you this morning to continue to work for a world where power is tamed by conscience, and law is at the service of human dignity. I also encourage you to reject the dangerous and self-defeating mind-set that says nothing will ever change.
I know the challenges are immense, but God’s grace at work in human hearts is more powerful still. My venerable predecessor noted the necessity for what he called a “diplomacy of hope” (To Members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, 9 January 2025). I would add that we also need a “politics of hope”, an “economics of hope,” anchored in the conviction that even now, through the grace of Christ, we can reflect his light in the earthly city.
Thank you. Thanks to all of you for your dedication to bringing the Gospel message into the public arena. Be assured of my prayers for you, your loved ones,your families, your friends, and especially today for those whom you serve. May the Lord Jesus, the Prince of Peace, bless and guide your efforts for the true flourishing of the human family.
Tusványos 2025
The Bálványos Summer University and Student Camp – better known as Tusványos – has been a unique meeting point for over three decades. Held in the heart of Transylvania, it brings together Hungarian public life, conservative thought, and international political dialogue in a festival-like setting that combines intellectual depth with a free-spirited atmosphere. Tusványos holds a special place in Central European public discourse, offering a platform for meaningful discussions that transcend borders.
This year, CDI Hungary was once again an active participant in the program. We organized three key events that strengthened international connections and provided opportunities for substantive dialogue.
It was an honour to host a private dinner with more than twenty distinguished international conservative leaders, including former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott. The informal gathering offered space for personal exchange, networking, and the foundation of future cooperation across continents.
Panel Discussion: “Global Awakening – Social and Political Change Around the World”
Our international panel featured guests from four continents – Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Europe – who shared their insights on the social and political transformations unfolding in their regions. The discussion explored the opportunities and challenges facing conservative movements worldwide and was moderated by the Director of CDI.
Two Book Presentations with Alejandro Peña Esclusa
Venezuelan conservative thinker Alejandro Peña Esclusa held two book presentations during the week, introducing all three of his works published so far in Hungarian. Among them was his most recent volume, Classical Art and Cultural Marxism. His reflections on the situation in Latin America and the global ideological landscape brought valuable perspective to the audience.
These events reflect the growing international relevance of Tusványos, which today is not only a hub for Hungarian youth, but also a platform where conservative leaders, intellectuals, and civil society actors come together to exchange ideas and shape responses to the challenges of our time.
Christian Democratic Leaders’ Roundtable in Brussels
The Christian Democratic Institute recently hosted two events in Brussels featuring Prof. Dr. Christiaan Alting von Geusau, President of the International Catholic Legislators’ Network. The discussions offered a timely opportunity to reflect on key questions shaping international political dynamics.
Both events brought together participants from various professional and academic backgrounds to explore pressing global issues. Central topics included the evolving role of the United States in world affairs, especially in light of shifting geopolitical alliances, and the potential influence of the next Pope on global leadership and the moral dimensions of international decision-making.
Prof. Dr. Alting von Geusau provided thoughtful insights into the broader trends of international relations and the challenges faced by global institutions. His remarks encouraged dialogue on the intersection of faith, politics, and diplomacy in a time of uncertainty.
The events reflect the Institute’s commitment to fostering constructive conversations on international political developments and the role of values-based leadership in today’s world.
CDI Hungary at CPAC Hungary 2025
CDI Hungary once again had its own stand at CPAC Hungary 2025, one of Europe’s leading conservative gatherings. The event brought together proponents of national sovereignty and freedom-oriented thought from across the globe.
Over the course of two days, our team welcomed conservative thinkers, policymakers, young activists, and civil participants to our booth, where they learned more about our mission, projects, and the relevance of Christian democracy in today’s Europe. Attendees showed particular interest in our publications, international partnerships and programs for women and young conservatives.
Our presence at CPAC Hungary aimed not only to showcase our work, but to engage in meaningful dialogue with the broader international conservative community. Once again, the event reaffirmed that shared values can foster real and lasting alliances across borders.
Remembrance of Vilma Hugonnai – Famous Women in the Hungarian and Austrian History
At our recent gathering at the Hungarian Embassy in Vienna, we paid tribute to one of the most remarkable female figures in Hungarian medical history: Countess Vilma Hugonnai, the first woman in Hungary to earn a medical degree.
Born in 1847, Countess Hugonnai faced tremendous obstacles in a time when women were denied access to higher education and professional careers. Undeterred, she pursued her medical studies in Zurich, Switzerland, and later fought tirelessly for the recognition of her qualifications. Her determination and unwavering commitment to both science and social justice opened the doors for generations of women to come.
Her story is not only about breaking professional barriers, but also about the broader struggle for equality and the right of women to choose their own path.
By remembering Vilma Hugonnai’s life and legacy, we celebrate the spirit of perseverance, courage, and vision that continues to inspire and empower us today.
Bridging Cultures with Compassion: A Special Visit to the Páty Home for the Elderly
In a meaningful continuation of our commitment to intergenerational solidarity and cultural dialogue, the Hungarian Association of the Sovereign Order of Malta and the Christian Democratic Institute jointly organized a heartwarming visit to the Páty Home for the Elderly. This occasion was made all the more special by the presence of Her Excellency Ono Hikariko, Ambassador of Japan to Hungary.
Her Excellency held an engaging and inspiring presentation for the residents of the home. She spoke with warmth and clarity about Japan’s unique cultural identity, its deep-rooted traditions, and the beauty of its national celebrations. The Ambassador also highlighted surprising similarities between Japanese and Hungarian holidays—demonstrating how different cultures can often share universal values such as family, remembrance, and community.
Following the Ambassador’s talk, the atmosphere turned lyrical with a performance by Japanese students studying at the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music. Their musical offering, imbued with sensitivity and grace, created a deeply moving moment that was cherished by all present. The gentle harmony of music and human connection once again reminded us of the power of culture to transcend generations and borders.
This visit not only brought joy and enrichment to the elderly residents but also reinforced the importance of building bridges between nations through acts of kindness, dialogue, and shared humanity. We remain committed to continuing initiatives that foster respect, cultural understanding, and dignity for all—especially our seniors.
International Prayer Breakfast held at the Austrian National Assembly in Vienna
The CDI Hungary had the distinct honor of participating in the International Prayer Breakfast held at the Austrian National Assembly in Vienna.
This high-level event brought together leaders and representatives from across Europe in a spirit of unity, faith, and dialogue. Following the main gathering, a special meeting was held for women from over ten countries, highlighting the power of prayer and the strength of female fellowship.
Rooted in shared values and mutual encouragement, this uplifting initiative offered an inspiring experience of spiritual connection and community — reminding us that solidarity, compassion, and faith know no borders.
CDI Hungary Participates in the Central European Prayer Breakfast Fellowship
The Christian Democratic Institute (CDI) was honored to take part in the Central European Prayer Breakfast Fellowship, a meaningful initiative aimed at fostering dialogue and connection among leaders and communities across the region.
This year’s event unfolded as a symbolic journey from Bratislava to Vienna, gathering over 200 participants from more than 20 countries. The program provided an opportunity for individuals from diverse backgrounds to come together in prayer and reflection, united by a shared commitment to reconciliation, peace, and regional cooperation.
Participation in this event aligns with the Institute’s mission to support Christian democratic values and promote mutual understanding in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Through involvement in initiatives like the Prayer Breakfast Fellowship, CDI continues to contribute to efforts that seek to build bridges across cultures, nations, and generations.