Pope Calls For Healing Of European Divides On Visit To Bratislava

Pope Francis made a plea for the healing of divides and respect for others as he addressed the faithful in Budapest and Bratislava on Sunday, Johannes Neudecker reported for Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa).

Photo Insert: Pope Francis, Private audience of Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice CAPP at Clementine Hall, Vatican City

On reaching Slovakia after a visit to Hungary, the pope said a greater sense of community was needed in Europe, and less division. "How else can we hope for a Europe that rediscovers its Christian roots when we are the first to miss the original full communion?" he said at an ecumenical meeting.

He said it was difficult to call for a Europe that is more influenced by faith without taking account of the fact that people in the region are still divided. It is the first time a pope has visited Slovakia in 18 years and he has a packed itinerary ahead.

Alongside the official appointments, Pope Francis also plans to visit a housing estate in Kosice that is home to thousands of Roma people who are living there despite difficult conditions. He is also due to stop in Presov and the small town of Sastin-Straze.

Earlier, in Budapest, Pope Francis called on people to be respectful and open. "My wish is that you may be like this: solid and open, rooted and respectful," the pope said to tens of thousands of people who came to hear him speak in Heroes' Square in the Hungarian capital.

WEEKLY FEATURE : PAL READY TO SOAR WITH PANDEMIC