Posted: 24.10.06 09:30. Post subject: Benedict XVI Recalls '56 Budapest Uprising

The Human Person Takes Precedence Over the State, He Says

VATICAN CITY, OCT. 23, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI joined the commemorations of the 50th anniversary of the Budapest uprising against the Soviet-Communist regime with a message to Hungarian President Laszlo Solyom.

After recalling the tragic events of Oct. 23, 1956, that, "in the space of a few days, left thousands of people dead or wounded, and caused deep distress throughout the world," the Holy Father recalled the efforts of Pope Pius XII.

In particular, Benedict XVI noted in his message how his predecessor "pleaded insistently that the international community recognize Hungary's right to self-determination."

After emphasizing the importance of this event for the history of the Hungarian people and for all of Europe, the Pope said that he is taking part in the celebrations through the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, who until recently was his secretary of state.

After highlighting "the thousand-year-old agreement that governs relations between the Apostolic See and the noble people of Hungary," the Holy Father said he was "pleased to observe" that, "despite all the oppression they have endured down the centuries," the Hungarian people "have always maintained the correct evaluation of the relationship between the state and citizens, beyond all ideology."

Enriched

"According to the Christian vision that inspired the various peoples who were to form the Hungarian nation, the human person, with his legitimate moral, ethical and social aspirations, takes precedence over the state," wrote Benedict XVI.

"The legal structure and the secular nature of the state have always been conceived with respect for natural law expressed in authentic national values which, for believers, are enriched by Revelation," he added.

Benedict XVI ended his message with the "heartfelt wish" that "Hungary may build a future free from all forms of oppression and ideological conditioning."

And the Pontiff hoped that the commemoration of this historical event might "provide an occasion for timely reflection on the moral, ethical and spiritual ideals and values that have shaped Europe, of which Hungary is a part."

"May your country," he added, "… continue to promote a civilization based on respect for the human person and his supreme destiny."

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