«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 is to make an apostolic trip to the Republic of Korea from 14 to 18 August 2014, on the occasion of the Sixth Asian Youth Day, to be held in the Diocese of Daejeon and for the celebration of beatification of the 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 Episcopate, Msgr. Peter Kang Woo Sun, and sent to Fides Agency.
«Pope Francis will visit the entire Asian continent,” they said, adding it 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».
