Pope thanks South Korean faithful for Covid relief fundraising

By Vatican News staff writer

In a letter addressed to Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taek of Seoul, South Korea, Pope Francis has thanked the faithful of the Archdiocese for sending proceeds from a collection to help needy people affected by the Covid pandemic. 

Writing just before Christmas, the Pope said he "very much appreciated this gesture of generosity made in the days in which we prepare to celebrate the Mystery of the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and our Hope," assuring them of his "spiritual closeness to the entire diocesan Community of Seoul.” 

The Pope said that, thanks to this help, "people in need around the world will receive assistance," through outreach coordinated by the Office of Papal Charities. 

Raising funds for vaccine access

In a press release, the Archdiocese of Seoul revealed that it sent the Vatican around $1.4 million (USD), now the third time in a row following a fundraising campaign aimed to support Vatican outreach to ensure equitable, timely, and universal access for all countries to the Covid-19 vaccines.

The Archdiocese has supported the Vatican's efforts with more than $3.4 million sent since the end of last year.

Cardinal Andrew Yeom, retired Archbishop of Seoul, originally launched the initiative to raise these funds.

Father Matthias Young-yup Hur, spokesperson for the Seoul Archdiocese, remarked in the press release that, “The Holy Father has expressed appreciation in a letter for every contribution made to the campaign. Additionally, he said he was especially grateful for the sacrifice and love shared by the Korean church for the needy and the poor.”  

The Archdiocese of Seoul has plans to continue its outreach in supporting those who need such assistance around the world.