Pope's programme released for Apostolic Journey to Korea

(Vatican Radio) The Vatican Press Office on Wednesday released the Programme for Pope Francis’ Apostolic Journey on the occasion of the 6th World Asian Youth Day in August.

The journey, to the Republic of Korea, will take place from 13 to 18 August 2014.   

The visit focuses on three main themes: youth, martyrs and peace. The motto of the journey is “Rise Korea, clothe yourself in light, the Lord’s glory shines upon you”.  

During the four days the Pope is scheduled to spend in the South Asian nation, he will meet with political authorities and Korean bishops in Seoul; he will celebrate Mass in the World Cup Stadium of Daejeon where he will meet with young people gathered for World Asian Youth Day; he will travel to the Sanctuary of the Martyrs of Seo So Mun, and here he will Beatify Paul Yun Ji-Chung and 123 Korean martyrs; the Pope will then travel to Kkottongnae where he will visit disabled guests at the “House of Hope”,  members of religious communities at the “School of Love”  Training Center and leaders of lay apostleship at a Spirituality Center; then the Pope will go to Haemi to meet with Asian bishops and to celebrate the concluding Mass of World Asian Youth Day in the Castle of Haemi; before departing on Monday 18, Pope Francis will meet with religious leaders of different faiths and he will celebrate Mass for Peace and Reconciliation.  

Korean bishops have highlighted the fact that this Apostolic Visit is in fact a visit to the entire Asian Continent.

This journey will be Pope Francis’s third apostolic voyage abroad, after Brazil in July 2013 and the Holy Land in May 2014.

Saint John Paul II travelled to the Republic of Korea twice: in 1984 and in 1989.