A warm welcome awaits

Korea, rise up in splendour! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you.  With this quote of the prophet Isaiah (60:1), the bishops of South Korea have welcomed with great joy the announcement of the visit of Pope Francis in Korea.

Pope Francis will make an Apostolic Journey to the Republic of Korea from August 14-18, 2014 for the Sixth Asian Youth Day, which will be held in the Diocese of Daejeon and for the celebration of Beatification of 124 Korean martyrs.

The Pope's visit is desired by many Asian churches, the bishops said in a message signed by the President of the Korean Episcopal Conference, His Excellency, Peter Kang U-il.  Pope Francis will visit the entire Asian continent. His visit will be a heartfelt exhortation to seek peace on the Korean peninsula and an encouragement for the young Asians and for their deepest aspirations.  The bishops hope that everyone prays for this event, especially to support the Church of the entire Asian continent, so it may be able to proclaim the Good News of God's peace and shine the light and glory of Christ, who is the cornerstone.  The presence of Pope Francis in Korea and in Asia, the prelates conclude, is a great sign of hope, joy and peace.

Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, the Archbishop of Seoul, South Korea, has released the following message thanking Pope Francis for deciding to visit his country this summer.

Cardinal Yeom Soo-jung was created a cardinal by Pope Francis in the consistory of February 22nd.

Statement of His Eminence, Andrew Cardinal Yeom Soo-jung

reacting to the news of the Pope's visit to Korea

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. 

At the Mass of Thanksgiving for the creation of new cardinals, the Holy Father offered words of affection to me, telling 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"