The Legacy of János Esterházy: A Catalyst for National Reconciliation
Archbishop Domenico Battaglia Delivers Keynote Speech at Conference on János Esterházy
The Péter Pázmány Catholic University in Budapest recently hosted a conference focusing on “Social Forgiveness and Reconciliation in the Light of János Esterházy’s Work and Martyrdom.” János Esterházy, a key figure in the Hungarian minority in Slovakia post-World War I and during World War II, remains a controversial figure, hailed as a martyr by Hungarians and Poles, but stigmatized as a war criminal by the Slovak state.
Monsignor Domenico Battaglia, Archbishop of Naples, delivered the keynote speech at the conference, emphasizing that Count Esterházy was not a proponent of naive pacifism, but rather a messenger of the Gospel through his work and suffering. The Archbishop highlighted Esterházy’s efforts in promoting coexistence among different nationalities in Central Europe during the wartime.
Esterházy, who lived from 1901 to 1957, recognized the dangers of technological advancements without the guiding principles of the Gospel, a message that Archbishop Battaglia believes is relevant even in today’s world. The Archbishop praised Esterházy’s political activism in defense of national minorities as a demonstration of Christianity’s role in the secular realm, emphasizing the importance of human dignity over national interests.
Former Slovak Ambassador to the Vatican, Dagmar Babcanová, also spoke at the conference, highlighting Esterházy’s Christian universalism as the core of his life’s work. Despite ongoing accusations of irredentism and nationalism against Esterházy in Slovakia, Babcanová urged for a more nuanced understanding of his legacy, stressing his commitment to opposing both communism and fascism while advocating for the Hungarian minority without conflicting with the interests of other nationalities.
The conference featured presentations from various historians and experts, shedding light on Esterházy’s complex legacy and the need for a reevaluation of his contributions in the context of his time. The event served as a platform for fostering discussions and reflections on a figure whose impact continues to reverberate in the region.
As the conversation surrounding János Esterházy evolves, it is clear that his story is a compelling reminder of the complexities of history and the importance of reexamining narratives to uncover the truth behind the man who straddled the line between martyrdom and controversy.
