Pope Sends Christmas Video-Message to Koreans

Recalls Apostolic Visit in August

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Pope Francis has reminded Asians just one day before Christmas that only Jesus’ presence gives mankind true happiness.

Today, in a video-message to all Koreans for Christmas, the Pope reminisced about his Aug. 14-18 visit to South Korea, which marked his first Apostolic Visit to Asia, and sent Christmas wishes, reported Vatican Radio.

Addressing his Korean “brothers and sisters,” he said that with great pleasure he sends his best wishes “for the Holy Nativity,” and recalls with joy and gratitude his August visit to their country.

In particular, he recalled their honoring of their nation’s martyrs, his meeting with young people, and other moments of the visit which, he noted, “remain vividly” in his memory.

The Holy Father then prayed to the Lord “that the light, shining on the world from the Baby of Bethlehem, might be always in your hearts, in your families and communities.”

“At Christmas, once more, Jesus draws us to Himself with His divine goodness.” he said, noting, “It is His presence only that can give true happiness to mankind.”

“Without Him,” he added, “there is none, because He is capable of making life ever new and beautiful.”

Pope Francis concluded asking them to pray for him, and saying, “From my heart, I wish you a peaceful and holy Christmas!”

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Deborah Castellano Lubov

Deborah Castellano Lubov is Senior Vatican & Rome Correspondent for ZENIT; author of 'The Other Francis' ('L'Altro Francesco') featuring interviews with those closest to the Pope and preface by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin (currently published in 5 languages); Deborah is also NBC & MSNBC Vatican Analyst. She often covers the Pope's travels abroad, often from the Papal Flight (including for historic trips such as to Abu Dhabi and Japan & Thailand), and has also asked him questions on the return-flight press conference on behalf of the English-speaking press present. Lubov has done much TV & radio commentary, including for NBC, Sky, EWTN, BBC, Vatican Radio, AP, Reuters and more. She also has contributed to various books on the Pope and has written for various Catholic publications. For 'The Other Francis': http://www.gracewing.co.uk/page219.html or https://www.amazon.com/Other-Francis-Everything-They-about/dp/0852449348/

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