Over 100,000 people attended the closing Mass of the International Eucharistic Congress in Budapest.
The President of Hungary, János Áder, and Prime Minister Víktor Orbán were seated in the front row.
During the opening procession, Pope Francis greeted Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the leader of the Orthodox Church.
The Pope also prayed before an ancient icon of Our Lady commonly venerated in Budapest.
CARD. PÉTER ERDÖ
Archbishop of Budapest
“Most Holy Father, we offer our most heartfelt thanks for accepting the invitation to personally preside over this great closing Mass of the International Eucharistic Congress.”
The Pope began his homily by reflecting on a question that Jesus posed to his disciples when he asked them who they thought he really was.
POPE FRANCIS
“Today too, the Lord looks at each of us personally and asks: “Who am I, truly, to you?” Who am I to you? This question, addressed to each of us, calls for more than a quick answer straight out of the catechism; it requires a vital, personal response.”
The Pope explained the common temptation for each person to construct an image of Jesus by their own definition, and as a result, to create a caricature of Christ.
POPE FRANCIS
“The crucial difference is between the true God and the god of the “self.” How distant is the God who quietly reigns on the cross from the false god that we want to rule with power and silence our enemies!”
After the homily, Hungarians dressed in traditional outfits presented bread and wine for the Eucharist.
The consecration that followed was the most solemn moment of the International Eucharistic Congress.
The Mass closed a week of encounters, ceremonies, and large gatherings meant to remind Catholics of Christ's presence in the Eucharist.
The next International Eucharistic Congress will be held in 2024 in Quito, Ecuador. It will be another opportunity for the Pope to visit Latin America.
JMB
TR: JM
