The latest research on the persecution of Christians around the world reveals alarming developments: the number of those persecuted and threatened is growing every year, now exceeds 360 million. In recent years, an average of 15 Christians have been murdered every day simply because of their faith. The Government of Hungary has decided that it will not stand idly by and ignore the genocidal persecution of Christians in certain regions.
We were the first in the world to raise the issue of persecuted Christians to the level of public policy, after Prime Minister Viktor Orbán met church leaders from the Middle East in 2016. The Hungarian government decided to set up a new government department after hearing their pleas for attention and help. With the launch of the Hungary Helps Program in 2017, addressing Christian persecution has become part of our national mission.
We have been in constant and close contact with the leaders of the persecuted communities. We have recognised that the persecution of Christians around the world is one of the greatest and most unspoken human rights crises of our time. This is why our country pays special attention to persecuted Christians as the most threatened religious community. While this aid is a priority, it is not exclusive: Christian solidarity and Christian moral principles also lead us to come to the aid of all innocent people who are suffering. In many crisis zones around the world, we work with churches that are carrying out their social mission at the service of those who have suffered.
This principle is not only humane, but also effective. Since the program began we have helped more than two million people to stay in or return to their home countries.
Our relationship with the Holy See is excellent. In addition to joint actions in support of persecuted Christians, Pope Francis has encouraged and praised Hungary’s support on several occasions. During his visit to Hungary in 2023, the Holy Father highlighted and thanked Hungary for its assistance provided to persecuted Christians, especially the work among the Lebanese and Syrian communities.
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