"Jesus is the gate that leads us into the world" – Letter of condolence by Tamás Sulyok to the Vatican

His Eminence Cardinal Kevin Farrell

"Jesus is the gate that leads us into the world: he invites us to go out and meet our brothers and sisters." 
(Pope Francis, Budapest, 30 April 2023)

Your Eminence,

Pope Francis had an impact on the whole world. He was noticed not only by Catholics, not only by Christians. He spoke the language of the people, in a way that everyone could understand. And many people understood. He spoke to us Hungarians many times, for which we remember him with gratitude.

The personality of the "smiling Pope" captivated everyone. I cherish soul-stirring, beautiful memories from each personal meeting with him.

Pope Francis's humour and directness did not hide the human difficulties of his ministry, because he knew the problems of our times. He touched on sensitive subjects, his appeals reaching the deepest layers of the human conscience.

He also pointed out the poor and cared for the marginalised in the world's affluent societies. By protecting the created world, he emphasized the universal task of man as enshrined in Scripture. He raised his voice against the inhumanity of the greed for profit in the economy ignoring everything else. He consistently advocated the need for peaceful settlements to wars and conflicts.

The meaning of his words could be argued about, but not ignored. Pope Francis did not allow us to sit back and be blind to the difficulties of others and our own crisis. His humility showed his human greatness, his kindness his steadfastness, his good will his faith.

We Hungarians will never forget that he visited our communities as many as three times.

The Pope, who at Easter returned to the Creator, shared the Gospel with one of his last declarations as well, i.e. "the hope already fulfilled in Christ remains for us an objective to be achieved: it is entrusted to us to be authentic witnesses and to make the Kingdom of God break through into the hearts of people living today". Throughout his life he was a bold proclaimer of the Good News of the Risen Christ.

The death of Pope Francis is a painful and great loss for the Catholic Church, the Christian world and all humanity.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences.

God rest the Holy Father!

Sincerely:

Dr. Tamás Sulyok

(Budapest, 21 April 2025)