South Korean Cardinal welcomes visit of Pope Francis to his homeland
(Vatican Radio) Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, the Archbishop of Seoul, South Korea,
has released a message thanking Pope Francis for deciding to visit his country this
summer. Cardinal Yeom Soo-jung was made a Cardinal by Pope Francis in the Consistory
February 22nd.
Pope Francis will visit South Korea August 14 to 18 in what
will be his third apostolic journey abroad since becoming pontiff. The dates of the
visit were made official today by the Press Office of the Holy See. The Pope's journey
coincides with the Sixth Asian Youth Day, which will take place in the Diocese of
Daejeon. During his visit, the Pope will also preside at the beatification ceremony
of a group of Korean martyrs.
Below is the English translation of Cardinal
Yeom Soo-jung's message:
I would like to express my warmest welcome
to Pope Francis’ visit to Korea.
I am very grateful that the Holy Father has
kept in mind the young people of Asia and the Korean faithful, and has decided to
travel such long way to our country.
On the Mass of Thanksgiving for the creation
of new cardinals, the Holy Father offered words of affection to me that he really
loves Korea; now that he is really coming to our country, I can feel the abundant
grace of God. The Holy Father’s Papal visit to Korea is great joy and blessing to
our country.
I pray that Pope Francis’ visit will bring reconciliation and
peace to the Korean Peninsula; I hope that this will be the chance for all Asia to
feel the peace of our Lord. May this also be a time for the poor and the marginalized
people to regain hope. Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung March 10, 2014