Secrets of the First Papal Visit to Hungary

Although several books on papal travels have been published we still know little about the real background of papal visits, the multi-year preparations behind the scenes and the actual organizational tasks of the event. The aim of my research is to present the series of relevant political and ecclesiastical policy events in Hungary and the historical path between the break-up and re-establishment of diplomatic relations with the Vatican. The domestic and foreign policy matters of an interesting period between 1945 and 1991, the overcoming of obstacles standing in the way of changes altogether led to John Paul II's first visit to Hungary. In the second part I have explored the complex process involving national and international cooperation. The comprehensive analysis complemented with authentic photography sheds light on the intricacy of the organization of this visit therefore it should be especially useful for University students and professionals in Diplomacy/Protocol fields alike and those interested in Hungary's former communist-socialist political system and the change of regime. To our knowledge no analysis on this particular event in such detail has been performed thus far.