4 keywords define Korea’s 3rd papal visit

Pope Francis is welcomed by a faithful as he arrives at a rehabilitation center for disabled in Kkotdongnae in Eumseong, North Chungcheong Province, Saturday. During a rare Asia trip, the pontiff seemed at his happiest in the presence of children and the disadvantaged. (AP-Yonhap)

By Kwon Mee-yoo

During his five-day visit to Korea, Pope Francis touched the country with a low-key approach and inspiring messages.

On the first day, he told the bishops of Korea to serve the poor at a meeting with them. The pope stayed at the Vatican’s embassy in Seoul, along with his entourage.

The pope preached about hope on Friday at a mass celebrating the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Daejeon World Cup Stadium, warning against the prevailing materialism. He also attended Asia Youth Day at Solmoe Holy Ground and talked to representatives from Asian countries, sharing their worries.

The highlight of Pope Francis’ pastoral visit to Korea was the beatification ceremony for Paul Yun Ji-chung and his 123 companions at Gwanghwamun Sqaure Saturday where more than 800,000 people came to listen to the pope’s recognition of the sacrifice of Korean martyrs. He visited Kkotdongne, a sanatorium complex for the disabled on Saturday afternoon.

The pope also showed support for the Sewol ferry victims throughout his visit by stopping to meet the families of ferry incident victims on a hunger strike on his way to the beatification altar Saturday and baptizing Lee Ho-jin, the father of another victim on Sunday. He also sent a letter to the family members at Paengmok Harbor, Monday, apologizing for not visiting in person.

The pontiff was kind to the laity, but he was strict toward the clergy. At a meeting with the bishops of Asia Sunday, he emphasized the importance of authentic dialogue coming from true understanding of each other, while encouraging the young Catholics to serve the poor at the concluding mass of the Asia Youth Day.

On his last day in Korea, the pope preached forgiveness, reconciliation. He met 12 religious leaders of Korea and celebrated the Mass for Peace and Reconciliation at Myeongdong Cathedral. His Holiness prayed for the unity of the “Korean family” and urged his followers to contribute to the building of a just and humane society, before leaving for Rome at Seoul Airport Monday afternoon.

YOUTH

“Saint John Paul II, pray for us and especially for our youth.”
- Pope Francis’ tweet on the first day of his Korea trip -

MARTYRS

“The martyrs teach us that wealth, prestige and honor have little importance: Christ is the only true treasure.”
- Pontiff’s tweet after he beatified 124 Korean martyrs -

SOLACE

“May this tragic event which has brought all Koreans together in grief confirm their commitment to work together in solidarity for the common good.”
- Words of consolation for families of Sewol ferry disaster during an Assumption Day Mass in Daejeon -

ASIA

“Young people of Asia, you are the heirs of a great testimony, a precious witness to Christ.”
- Pope Francis during closing Mass at Asia Youth Day -

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2 Comments

1. 2017

   December 4, 2017 at 6:42 AM

   The American Notice

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2. 2017

   December 4, 2017 at 7:51 AM

   KSVR 91.7 FM

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