Cardinal József Mindszenty is one of the most well-known figures in the modern history of Hungary. In the 1950s, his complaints against the abuses of the Communist regime were punished with years of imprisonment, torture and persecution.
CARD. PÉTER ERDí?
Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest
'He was very sensitive to inhumane situations. And today this sensitivity should be present in every country.'
In Rome, his legacy has not been forgotten either. His beatification process is underway. The Vatican Secretary of State recently presided over a Mass in his honor to mark the 40th anniversary of his death. It took place in the historic Santo Stefano Rotondo basilica.
CARD. PIETRO PAROLíN
Vatican Secretary of State
'He became a symbol of the persecuted Church, the suffering Church, the Church of so many martyrs and confessors of the faith who suffered under dictatorships in Communist countries.'
Although decades have passed since he became a martyr, his message still resonates. He was just one of many other Christians who suffered the consequences of misunderstanding, intolerance and even hatred.
CARD. PÉTER ERDí?
Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest
'More than half of the bishops' conference was in prison and the auxiliary bishop of the cardinal was killed in prison in 1951.'
GíBOR GYí?RIVíNYI
Hungarian Ambassador to the Holy See
'Unfortunately, it is an actuality. It happened in the past but it is happening right now in some parts of the world. So I think that this Mass, it's a good opportunity to remind the Holy world what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present.
Cardinal Jozsef Mindszenty had a deep friendship with Pope Paul VI. It is also believed that Padre Pio miraculously visited him while in prison to comfort him.
