'Open your arms to everyone': Pope Francis warns about anti-Semitism on Hungary trip

Pope Francis on Sunday asked Hungary to "extend its arms towards everyone”, taking an indirect dig at Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s anti-immigration policies, as he also called for an end to antisemitism in Europe and 'greater openness' during his visit that lasted seven hours on Sept.12. Vatican pontiff is on a four-day apostolic visit to Central Europe, in a first major outing after his intestinal surgery in July. Francis warned of “lurking” anti-Semitism as he met populist Hungarian leader Orbán. “Prejudice against Jews was a fuse that must t be allowed to burn,” said Pope Francis, according to Associated Press. 

"I think of threat of antisemitism still lurking in Europe and elsewhere,” Pope Francis said addressing an ecumenical meeting of Christian and Jewish leaders in capital, Budapest. "This is a fuse that must t be allowed to burn. And best way to defuse it is to work toger, positively, and to promote fraternity," he added.

According to statement from Holy See Press Office, Francis was accompanied by Hungary’s Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States. He met with Mass for a crowd of 100,000 people before travelling to neighbouring Slovakia for a four-day tour. Pope had earlier pushed for migrants and refugees to be allowed to enter Europe, stressing that y deserved “better lives.” He has been a longtime critic of "national populism" which he described as advanced by governments like in Hungary with staunch anti-refugee policies. 

Be 'roots of unity,' urges Pope 

Pope Francis' remarks came as he met with representatives of Ecumenical Council of Churches and some Jewish communities, whom he urged to be “roots of unity,” and enable world to blossom. Pope Francis addressed all leaders, gared in Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest, saying: "Having you here, side by side is a sign of great unity. As I look out at you, my brors and fellow Christians, I bless your continuing journey towards full communion.” Pope Francis also expressed “appreciation for efforts to break down walls that separated us in past,” as he ted that Jews and Christians alike. Pope asserted, “strive to view one ar longer as strangers but as friends, longer as foes but as brors and sisters”.