"There is a war-opposing network in the world, with two focal points: one of power led by the US president and one of spirit found here with the Holy Father," Viktor Orban said on Monday after meeting Pope Leo at the Vatican.
"We draw strength, motivation, and blessing from both," said the Hungarian prime minister.
If his ally in the White House, US President Donald Trump, was on his mind, then his thoughts could well have turned to a tricky meeting that awaits him next week in Washington.
The man Trump has called a "great leader", and who has long provoked admiration in MAGA circles, suddenly finds himself in an unusual position - at odds with the US president on an issue of critical importance.
At the centre of those talks will be new US pressure on Hungary and Slovakia to wean themselves urgently off Russian oil - Trump's latest gambit in his efforts to pressurise Russia into ending its war on Ukraine.
