South Korean Cardinal Thanks Pope Francis for Planned Visit

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 made a cardinal by Pope Francis in the consistory of 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. 

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"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" 

[Translation Vatican Radio]