Pope grateful for 60 years of Vatican-South Korea diplomatic ties

By Lisa Zengarini

Pope Francis has sent a message to the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea (CBCK), Bishop Matthias Ri Iong-Hoon of Suwon, to express his “heartfelt good wishes” and the assurance of his “spiritual closeness” to them as they celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and the Holy See.

South Korea and the Vatican formally established diplomatic ties in 1963. They have since maintained close relations, with the late Pope St. John Paul II visiting the country twice, in 1984 and 1989, and Pope Francis in 2014 on the occasion of the 6th Asian Youth Day.

Working together for peace in  the Korean Peninsula

The anniversary was marked on Monday by a special thanksgiving Mass presided over by Bishop Ri Iong-Hoon at Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul.  

In his message, which was read during the celebration by the Chargé d'Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature in Korea, Fernando Duarte Barros Reis, Pope Francis expressed hope that South Korea and the Holy See will continue to develop their friendly ties and work together for peace and reconciliation in the Korean Peninsula.

Gratitude for the many graces received by the Catholic community in Korea

The Pope wrote that he “readily associates” with the Korean Bishops’ gratitude expressed in the solemn Eucharist.

“In a particular way, we can be thankful for the spread of the Gospel, the growth of the local Church and its contribution to the wellbeing of Korean society, he said, trusting “that this influence will continue to bear cultural and spiritual fruits, especially for those marginalised, impoverished and without hope.”

Fond memories  of the Apostolic Journey of 2014

Pope Francis fondly recalled his Apostolic Journey to Seoul in 2014 and, in particular, the Mass he presided for the beatification of the Korean Martyrs who, he said “out of love for Jesus and their desire to spread God’s Kingdom gave their lives in this land and sowed the seeds for what has become a blossoming and vibrant Church.”

Anticipation for 2027 WYD in South Korea

The Pope also expressed his anticipation for the 2027 World Youth Day (WYD), saying he prays that young people will continue to bear "this precious witness to Christ" as they prepare for the event. Seoul has been chosen as the host city for the next WYD,  making it the second Asian host following the Philippines in 1995.

Closing his message, Pope Francis entrusted the Nation “to the intercession of the Korean Martyrs and Mary, Mother of the Church, and imparted his blessing as a pledge of grace and peace in the Lord Jesus Christ.”