Korean Cardinal thanks Pope for inspiring young Asian Catholics

(Vatican Radio) At the conclusion of Pope Francis’ five day visit to Korea, the leader of the Catholic Church in Seoul, Cardinal Andrew Yeum Soo-jung, thanked the Holy Father for accompanying and encouraging young people throughout the Asian continent.

The Cardinal’s words came at the end of a Mass for peace and reconciliation in Myeong-dong cathedral during which the Pope prayed for the grace of healing and unity on the divided Korean peninsula. Recalling the divisions and conflict that has lasted for over sixty years there, Pope Francis urged all followers of Christ in Korea to reflect on their own contribution to the building of a truly just and humane society.

Please find below the full text of Cardinal Andrew Yeum Soo-jung’s greeting to the Pope:

Address by His Eminence Cardinal Andrew Yeum Soo-jung

Mass for Peace and Reconciliation (18 August 2014)

Holy Father,

I wanted to thank you with all my heart for visiting our country, split into two, north and south and for praying for peace here by celebrating the Eucharist. Today is the last day of your visit to Korea. Immediately after the end of this Mass your will be returning to your home.

I am very happy to have accompanied you during these five days. Since your arrival you have held a number of meetings and Eucharistic celebrations. On each of these occasions you have shown the best aspects of the Church. For young Asians, in particular, you have shown yourself to be a Good Shepherd who accompanies them and walks alongside them.

In Seoul you beatified our earliest martyrs, Paul Yun Ji-Chung and his one hundred and twenty-three companions. In this way, the Korean Church now has a hundred and twenty-four new Blesseds, together with her one hundred and three saints. I therefore feel personally an even greater responsibility for evangelization.

Holy Father,

I ask you to pray for us, that we may be committed to achieving full peace in our country and throughout the world.

As you love us and our country, so we love you.

Thank you again and may you go in peace!

Thank you!