Pope commends late Cardinal Cheong’s service to Korean Church, Holy See

By Robin Gomes

Pope Francis has expressed his condolences at the death of South Korean Nicholas Cheong Jin-suk. 

The retired Archbishop of Seoul passed away on Tuesday at St. Mary’s Hospital in Seoul, where had been receiving treatment for old-age-related complications, according to a press release from the Archdiocese of Seoul. He was 89. 

“I was saddened to learn of the death of Cardinal, Archbishop Emeritus of Seoul, and I offer to you and to the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese my heartfelt condolences and the assurance of my prayers,” the Holy Father wrote in a condolence telegram to current Archbishop of Seoul, Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung. 

“United with you in thanksgiving for Cardinal Jin-suk’s many years of service to the Church in Korea and to the Holy See, I join all assembled for the solemn funeral Mass in commending his noble soul to the compassionate love of Christ the Good Shepherd,” the Pope wrote.  On all mourning him, in the sure hope of the resurrection, the Holy Father imparted his apostolic blessing, as a pledge of consolation and peace in the Risen Lord.

Cardinal Yeom paid tribute to his predecessor underscoring his commitment to evangelization and the values of life and family.