VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict XVI sent wishes for Hungary for "a future free of all oppression and ideological conditioning", as Budapest marked the 50th anniversary of a 1956 uprising against Soviet control.
In a statement sent to Hungarian President Laszlo Solyom noted the pope at the time, Pius XII had made "four vibrant public interventions, demanding with insistence that the international community recognize the rights and self-determination of Hungary."
The pope`s message came as European heads of state and other top dignitaries attended the anniversary ceremonies in Budapest marking the uprising that erupted on October 23, 1956 and was crushed by Soviet tanks on November 4.
Benedict, who was represented by Cardinal Angelo Sodano at the event, expressed hope it would be "an occasion for profound reflection on the moral, ethical and spiritual ideals and values that built Europe."
"I hope your country will continue to be a harbinger of a society based on respect of the human person," the pontiff said.
10/23/2006 14:16 GMT