Cardinal Péter Erdő, Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest and one of the most prominent figures in the European episcopate, reappeared publicly on Sunday during the celebration of Pentecost in Hungary after more than three months away from public life due to serious health problems. The information was reported by various Hungarian media outlets.
At 73 years of age, the cardinal attended the Basilica of the Assumption and of Saint Adalbert in Esztergom, where he was received with prolonged applause from the faithful present. Although he was unable to preside over the celebration due to his convalescence, he participated in the Pentecost Mass held in the cathedral.
More than three months without public appearances
The cardinal’s last public appearance had taken place on February 2, during the feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Since then, he had remained absent from public events while recovering from a serious illness that included several surgical interventions and a stroke.
The Pentecost Mass was presided over by Monsignor Levente Balázs Martos, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Esztergom-Budapest. During the celebration, 81 young people received the sacrament of Confirmation.
At the beginning of the liturgy, parish priest Csaba Török addressed words of welcome to the cardinal, followed by a warm reception from the faithful.
First public message since the onset of the illness
Coinciding with his public reappearance, Cardinal Erdő released a brief message thanking everyone for the prayers he had received over the past months.
“I thank all those who have accompanied me with their prayers and those who continue to pray for me,” the cardinal stated. He added that he also prays for those who have supported him spiritually during this time. “I also offer my prayers for them with the grace that the Holy Spirit grants to all of us.”
The Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest also highlighted the importance of the Holy Spirit’s action in the lives of Christians. “It is very important that this grace bring love, peace, and serenity to the world, to ourselves, to our families, and to all those who live around us,” he affirmed.
A prominent figure in the Church in Europe
Cardinal Péter Erdő is one of the best-known personalities of the Church in Europe. He has chaired the Hungarian Episcopal Conference and the Council of European Episcopal Conferences at different times, in addition to actively participating in several synods and bodies of the Holy See.
His health condition had raised concern in recent months due to his complete absence from public appearances since the beginning of February. His presence at the Pentecost celebration marks his first public act since then.